In Week 16 of last season against the Kansas City Chiefs, Tank Dell caught a 30‑yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud that cut the lead to one point after a missed extra point. On that same play, Dell suffered a significant knee injury and was carted off the field. As of now, he has not resumed practice, and his status for a return in 2025 remains uncertain.
It wasn’t just a torn ACL. Dell’s injury involved nearly every major ligament in the knee, making it one of the most severe cases in recent memory.
What is Tank Dell’s Injury, and When Will He Return to Action?
Tank Dell suffered a devastating leg injury during Houston’s Week 16 matchup against the Chiefs, colliding with teammate Jared Wayne after securing a 30-yard touchdown. The result? A torn ACL, MCL, a dislocated kneecap, and meniscus damage.
Dell reportedly underwent multiple surgeries, including a confirmed ACL repair in March 2025, following earlier procedures on his knee.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans described Dell as being “in great spirits” during his spring rehab but emphasized the team would not rush his return.
Tank Dell breaks down how he got the nickname ‘Tank’ 👀
(via @thepivot) pic.twitter.com/l8hsK7BgXE
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2024
On August 26, the Texans placed Tank Dell on the reserve/PUP list, meaning he will miss at least the first four games of the 2025 season. The team has not provided a formal timetable for his return.
Many analysts and fantasy experts believe Dell could be out for much longer, possibly the entire season, though that remains speculation rather than confirmation.
According to SportsMedAnalytics, multi-ligament injuries of this nature typically require a minimum of 10 to 12 months for basic recovery and 14 to 16 months for high-level football readiness, especially for players whose game is built on burst and change of direction.
Dell is in his third NFL season and has played 25 regular‑season games through the 2024 season. He fractured his fibula late in his rookie year and later suffered a severe knee injury in 2024.
He also sustained a minor wound in an April 2024 shooting incident in Florida and was released from the hospital shortly afterward. Before going down in Week 16, Dell had logged 51 receptions for 667 yards and three touchdowns in 2024. He entered the league in 2023 as a third-round pick out of Houston and quickly became one of C.J. Stroud’s go-to targets.
➖#Texans WR Tank Dell (@Tankdell4) IG:
🗣️ “Making my way back to the field with all NÜ ENERGY” pic.twitter.com/8oPE4AcUNh
— sidelinesarah (@sidelinesarah) September 6, 2025
With Dell out, the Texans have retooled their receiver room. They acquired Christian Kirk via trade, added veterans Justin Watson and Braxton Berrios in free agency, and drafted wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Nico Collins, who earned Pro Bowl honors in 2024, is currently viewed as Houston’s top wide receiver option with major snaps in the offense.
Whether Dell plays again this season remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Houston’s offense is preparing to move forward, and they’re making sure Dell has the time to heal fully.
