Following Season-Ending Injury, Texans' Tank Dell Expected Back for Off-Season Workouts

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans gave a positive update on injured second-year wide receiver Tank Dell, whose rookie season came to an early end due to a leg injury.
Nov 19, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA;  Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (3) celebrates his
Nov 19, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (3) celebrates his / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
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HOUSTON — At the end of the 2023 season, Tank Dell promised to be ready at the start of the Houston Texans' off-season workout programs. And following a series of recent social media posts, Dell is trending in the right direction.

The social media clips displayed Dell working on his speed and agility training three months after he sustained a season-ending leg injury against the Denver Broncos on Dec. 3.

Dell went down late in the first quarter after he tried to help the offensive line create a hole for running back Dameon Pierce, who scored a three-yard touchdown during the play. Unfortunately, his contributions led to a significant leg injury.

Nov 19, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA;  Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (3) celebrates his
Nov 19, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (3) celebrates his / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

"Tank is doing well," coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters at the NFL Owners Meetings. "We are expecting him to be back for our off-season workouts. Tank just has to be himself; nothing will change. I am happy to have him back and healthy."

Dell played a major role in Houston's success before his injury. After the Texans made the former University of Houston prospect a third-round pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, Dell established himself as one of the best young wideouts during his rookie year.

He recorded 709 yards on 47 catches and seven touchdowns across 10 games. If not for his heart-rending injury, the Texans could have ended the 2023 season with two 1,000-yard receivers, joining Nico Collins.

"You know the saying, 'God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers,'" Dell said. "It made me grow more and dedicate my whole life to playing football. It showed me how much I need this sport.

"This is what keeps me going. When I walk into this locker room, I always have a smile on my face — this is my blessing in life. Just to be able to put smiles on other people's faces, whether the fans, coaches or teammates." 


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Anthony Licciardi

ANTHONY LICCIARDI