Tank Dell Injury Update: When Will Texans WR Return?

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell has faced a brutal start to his NFL career, with injuries sidelining him across all three of his professional campaigns. While he has missed numerous games in previous seasons, he has not seen any action in 2025, leaving fans and the team wondering when he might return.

The Texans desperately need their explosive playmaker back on the field if they hope to build the momentum required for a playoff push. Let’s dive into the latest information surrounding the receiver’s recovery.

When Can the Texans Expect Tank Dell to Return?

Dell is currently spending the 2025 season rehabbing from a devastating knee injury he suffered in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs last year. The catastrophic damage was extensive, including a dislocated kneecap, meniscus issues, and a torn ACL, MCL, and LCL.

While analyst Ross Tucker reported during Week 3 that the wideout was running sprints, there is still no clear timetable for his return. The organization placed him on the physically unable to perform, or PUP, reserve list on August 26, expecting him to miss at least the season’s first four games.

These recurring health issues have prevented Dell from logging a 1,000-yard campaign, despite playing a significant role in the Texans’ offense when available. In his two years of production, he recorded 98 receptions for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also sometimes proved helpful on the ground, compiling 94 yards on 20 carries.

Dell’s absence has created a significant void. Nico Collins and Christian Kirk were expected to step up as quarterback C.J. Stroud’s top two targets to start the 2025 season. However, injuries have also haunted both of them, compounding Houston’s offensive struggles. As a result, names like Xavier Hutchinson, Dalton Schultz, Jaylin Noel, and Jayden Higgins have been forced to fill in for head coach DeMeco Ryans’s top wideouts.

This has forced a makeshift offensive operation down in Houston. Ryans and company have lost several close games, mixing those heartbreakers with solid performances. For instance, after a 27-19 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the Texans hosted the San Francisco 49ers and beat them 26-15.

Their next test is on Sunday, Week 9, against the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos. Head coach Sean Payton’s squad is on a hot streak, riding a five-game winning streak into the matchup. With rookie quarterback Bo Nix under center, Denver presents another major challenge for the depleted Texans.