Three Texans Who Benefit Most From Tank Dell's Return

The Houston Texans are trending towards getting their explosive weapon at wide receiver, Tank Dell, back headed into the 2026 NFL season after the 26-year-old had missed all of last year with a devastating leg injury suffered in the second half of his second-year campaign.

On paper, getting a talent like Dell back––especially if he's at 100%––will be a big lift for this Texans' offense and their overall passing attack. But his return will also be especially beneficial for a few key names on the Texans in particular, and could see their stock for the season ahead trend up as a whole because of it.

Here's a look at three Texans who are set to be the biggest winners of Dell's addition back into the lineup:

1. C.J. Stroud

Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) and wide receiver Tank Dell (3) react after a play during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The obvious winner of Dell's return into the mix will be his quarterback, C.J. Stroud, who enters a pivotal fourth year at the helm of this offense. And now with the explosive slot weapon back in his arsenal, who was one of his favorite targets when healthy, it's sure to help steer him in the right direction.

Dell was a huge piece of Stroud's success in both of their rookie seasons in 2023, where he had a franchise-high seven touchdowns as a rookie receiver along with an Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign on Stroud's behalf.

It might take time before Dell is back to that same comfort in the Texans' offense post-injury, but having him healthy is still a valuable asset for Stroud to have back once again.

2. Nico Collins

Sep 29, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) signals after a first down during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

By having another explosive weapon in the Texans’ receiver room, it'll take a bit more pressure off of their number-one target, Nico Collins, by having a lesser extent of undivided attention from opposing defenses.

Collins had his best career season when Dell broke out onto the scene in his rookie year, and might just have a chance of replicating a similar campaign in 2026.

Without Dell in the mix in 2025, Collins still posted over 1,000 receiving yards for a third straight year in a shortened 15-game sample size, despite a three-game absence to C.J. Stroud and the ups and downs the offense suffered entirely.

Don't be shocked if Collins shoots well past those numbers this season now that the defensive attention is spread out, so long as he stays healthy.

3. Nick Caley

Jul 23, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

He might not be a player, but make no mistake that offensive coordinator Nick Caley will be reaping the rewards of Dell's presence in his offense for the first time since his arrival in 2025.

Dell brings big play ability and instantly fills a key role in the slot that Christian Kirk left via his free agency departure. There's a world that Jaylin Noel, Houston's third-round pick from last year's draft, cuts into that same share of snaps, but it's a good problem to have for the Texans to have a deep, talented room of young receivers.

In a big year for Caley to prove he can bring the aspired strides forward on the offensive side of the ball he was initially hired for, having Dell to work with will be a big help in proving his worth.

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