The Houston Texans have turned things around in a big way over the last two years. Going 10-7 in back-to-back seasons has been a great start, but losing in the Divisional Round has ended both seasons in disappointment.
One thing holding them back has been missing their budding young star receiver in Tank Dell, who has suffered season-enders in both of his first two NFL seasons.
Texans head coach Demeco Ryans spoke about Dell on Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, making it clear that the team won't be taking any chances.
Texans HC DeMeco Ryans says Tank Dell’s mental state has been good around the building as he is attacking his rehab. However, he says it’s far too soon to have any timetable on a possible return.
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) February 25, 2025
Demeco Ryans Gives Positive Update on Tank Dell
Ryans refused to give any sort of a timeline for a potential return for Dell. He gave some positive updates around Dell's mental state and rehab, but it's clear that there are no plans from the Texans to rush Dell with a concrete return plan just yet. This makes wide receiver a major position of need for the Texans this offseason.
In Week 16 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Dell went down with a torn ACL, MCL, LCL, and damage to his meniscus. This injury came one year later after Dell suffered a fractured fibula when he got hurt during a pileup on a run play against the Denver Broncos.
The 25-year-old has shown tremendous flashes over his first two seasons, but he's gone down with two serious injuries in consecutive campaigns. Dell's status for the 2025 season is still up in the air, and that comes while fellow wideout Stefon Diggs is set to hit free agency.
That leaves Nico Collins as the only viable weapon in the receiver room going forward, making this a key area this offseason. Regardless of when Dell returns to the field, the Texans will be looking forward to him but should have tempered expectations.
Over 25 career games, Dell has recorded 98 catches (156 targets) for 1,376 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
He is a terrific deep threat when healthy and has a tremendous relationship with quarterback C.J. Stroud. These two will stay close throughout Dell's recovery and will be ready to hit the ground running once he takes the field again.