Tank Dell Practices in Pads for First Time Since 2024 Knee Injury

What happened

Texans wide receiver Tank Dell returned to padded practice on Wednesday in a limited role. He caught passes from C.J. Stroud and ran full-speed routes during individual drills but did not participate in contact or team periods. Coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed the team is progressing Dell carefully: "Tank is on the right plan... We're progressing him on really well. We expect him to just continue to progress with how he's feeling." Dell missed the entire 2025 season after a dislocated kneecap and multiple torn ligaments (including ACL) suffered in Week 16 of 2024.

Fantasy impact

This is a meaningful positive step for Dell's 2026 outlook. While he remains behind Nico Collins in the hierarchy and is still building toward full contact work, successful progression could make him a high-upside late-round or waiver target if he reclaims a significant role opposite Collins. Managers in dynasty formats should monitor closely; redraft managers can keep him on the radar as a high-ceiling depth piece once full practice participation resumes.