Tank Dell remains on a separate timetable as he works back from the severe knee injury he suffered in December 2024.
On Monday, DeMeco Ryans said he is unsure whether Dell will play during the Texans' preseason slate and described the receiver as being on his own plan. Ryans added that whatever that plan entails is geared toward what is best for Tank Dell.
Where Dell stands now
Dell did not play in Friday's preseason game against the Chargers, and he had been limited to individual drills on Tuesday. The Texans are managing his return carefully after he dislocated his left kneecap and tore the ACL and MCL in that knee in December 2024.
That injury wiped out Dell's entire 2025 campaign, so every preseason update matters as Houston tries to gauge whether he can get back on the field in time for the regular season. The Texans' next exhibition is against the Raiders on Thursday, and the team opens the regular season against the Bills on Sunday, Sept. 13.
What it means for Houston
The Texans do not need to rush Dell, but his availability remains one of the biggest questions on the roster. C.J. Stroud said, “I think he'll be fine,” offering a positive note as Dell continues his recovery.
For now, the key detail is simple: Dell is progressing on his own schedule, and Houston will keep watching whether that plan eventually includes preseason action before the regular season begins.
