Tank Dell news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Texans placed Tank Dell on injured reserve Sunday, delaying his comeback from a 2024 knee injury. His recovery is uncertain, leaving Houston's receiver depth thin.
Background
Tank Dell suffered a catastrophic knee injury in December 2024, tearing his ACL, MCL, and LCL while dislocating his knee, causing him to miss the entire 2025 season. He avoided the PUP list in late July and participated in team drills in early August, but recent reports from insider John McClain said he is 'nowhere near ready to play.' The Texans placed him on injured reserve with a designation to return, meaning he must miss at least four games.
How it unfolded
- Dec 2024Dell suffered a major knee injury (tore ACL, MCL, LCL, dislocated knee).
- late Jul 2026Dell avoided the PUP list and began individual drills at training camp.
- early Aug 2026Dell advanced to team drills, suggesting progress.
- Aug 24, 2026Dell was missing from practice, raising concerns.
- Aug 25, 2026Insider John McClain reported Dell is 'nowhere near ready to play.'
- Aug 30, 2026Texans placed Dell on injured reserve with a designation to return.
Who’s saying what
- Insider
- John McClain said Dell is 'nowhere near ready to play,' indicating a slow recovery.
- Team
- Texans placed Dell on IR with a return designation, leaving the door open for a later return.
- Analysts
- Fantasy analysts note Dell's status is uncertain and his recovery may be trending in the wrong direction.
Still unverified
Speculation that Dell may be placed on IR was confirmed, but no official timetable for his return has been announced.