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For the first time in two years, Tank Dell wore pads.
He ran routes during drills.
He looks like the version of the playmaker that the Houston Texans have missed.
Dell, who hasn't engaged in live reps since December of 2024, made his return to the practice field for the Texans on Wednesday morning. The former 2023 third-round pick participated in a limited capacity, but at least made progress in his long-awaited return from the injured list.
"Tank is on the right plan," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said after practice.
The participation was limited. Dell, who suffered multiple torn ligaments in a loss against the Kansas City Chiefs, caught a few passes from quarterback C.J. Stroud during individuals but ran full-speed routes. He looked crisp coming out of the break and had a chance to change direction.
The big question now is: will this be a one-time thing, or could Dell return to full speed in time for Thursday's matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders? Ryans said the timeline hasn't changed for the speedster's recovery and that he would be working off his progress weekly.
"There's no set way of doing it," Ryans said. "It'll be based on how he's feeling. We'll do the right thing by Tank and make sure we approach it the right way. Take care of him the right way, so he can be feeling confident when he steps back out there for team drills."
When healthy, Dell has been a dangerous weapon in the Texans' offense over his first two seasons. The problem? He's ended each year on the injured reserve. In 2023, his breakout rookie season was cut short because of a broken leg suffered in a win over the Denver Broncos. That offseason, Dell was also shot in the leg at an event in Sanford, Florida, though the damage was considered minimal by the medical staff.
The following year, Dell needed to be taken to a local hospital in Kansas City after colliding with Jared Wayne while hauling in a touchdown reception. He has since undergone several surgeries and has been limited in drills over the past 18 months.
"Tank's worked really hard to put himself in this position. I'd say he still has some work to do," Texans general manager Nick Caserio said last month. "So, you're not going to see him practice. Like, he won't be on a practice field. He still has some things that he's going to go through."
Over his two active seasons with the Texans, Dell has caught 98 passes for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans WR Tank Dell returns to padded practice for the first time since injury
Continue reading...
He ran routes during drills.
He looks like the version of the playmaker that the Houston Texans have missed.
Dell, who hasn't engaged in live reps since December of 2024, made his return to the practice field for the Texans on Wednesday morning. The former 2023 third-round pick participated in a limited capacity, but at least made progress in his long-awaited return from the injured list.
"Tank is on the right plan," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said after practice.
The participation was limited. Dell, who suffered multiple torn ligaments in a loss against the Kansas City Chiefs, caught a few passes from quarterback C.J. Stroud during individuals but ran full-speed routes. He looked crisp coming out of the break and had a chance to change direction.
The big question now is: will this be a one-time thing, or could Dell return to full speed in time for Thursday's matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders? Ryans said the timeline hasn't changed for the speedster's recovery and that he would be working off his progress weekly.
"There's no set way of doing it," Ryans said. "It'll be based on how he's feeling. We'll do the right thing by Tank and make sure we approach it the right way. Take care of him the right way, so he can be feeling confident when he steps back out there for team drills."
When healthy, Dell has been a dangerous weapon in the Texans' offense over his first two seasons. The problem? He's ended each year on the injured reserve. In 2023, his breakout rookie season was cut short because of a broken leg suffered in a win over the Denver Broncos. That offseason, Dell was also shot in the leg at an event in Sanford, Florida, though the damage was considered minimal by the medical staff.
The following year, Dell needed to be taken to a local hospital in Kansas City after colliding with Jared Wayne while hauling in a touchdown reception. He has since undergone several surgeries and has been limited in drills over the past 18 months.
"Tank's worked really hard to put himself in this position. I'd say he still has some work to do," Texans general manager Nick Caserio said last month. "So, you're not going to see him practice. Like, he won't be on a practice field. He still has some things that he's going to go through."
Over his two active seasons with the Texans, Dell has caught 98 passes for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans WR Tank Dell returns to padded practice for the first time since injury
Continue reading...
