Dell’s full practice brings Texans closer to a long-awaited roster decision

The Texans have another concrete sign of progress from Tank Dell: full participation in Wednesday’s practice. The receiver has not appeared in a game since the knee injury he suffered in December 2024. NFL.com’s league report lists him as full, and NBC Sports reported it was his first full participation designation since that injury.

Dell missed the entire 2025 season and the beginning of this season. His return to limited practice last week gave Houston a chance to evaluate him during its 21-day window; Wednesday’s full workload advances that process without announcing an activation or game appearance.

Nick Caserio said on 95.7 The Fan that Dell could return this week or next week if he avoids a setback, NBC Sports reported. That is a conditional outlook from Houston’s general manager, rather than a confirmed return date.

The receiver’s production before the injury explains the interest in his progress. Dell caught 98 passes for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns across 25 games in 2023 and 2024, according to his official career record. Houston’s current roster continues to list him in the injured-reserve return process.

Dell’s full session came on a mixed practice day for the Texans. David Montgomery, Trent Brown, Azeez Al-Shaair and Jalen Pitre did not participate. Houston is preparing for Sunday’s divisional game against Jacksonville in London, with Dell’s next roster and game-status decisions still ahead.

Sources

NFL: Texans Wednesday participation · NBC: Dell’s first full session since 2024 injury · Texans: current roster · Dell’s official career record