Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans expects wide receiver Tank Dell to begin a 21-day practice window this week, a critical step toward returning from a significant knee injury that ended his 2024 season in December against Kansas City. While practice participation doesn’t guarantee a game return, it signals improvement and keeps his roster status dynamic since the team has 21 days to activate him or place him on season-ending injured reserve. Dell’s absence has left the offense briefly depleted in the absence of Nico Collins, though any production from Dell could provide a meaningful boost. The development arrives amid a broader plan to open similar windows for rookie DT Kayden McDonald and veteran tackle Braden Smith. Dell is in the final year of his rookie contract, adding urgency to the potential impact of his return, and the Texans will monitor his progress closely.