Texans get Tank Dell update that doesn't bode well for 2026 season

Texans get Tank Dell update that doesn't bode well for 2026 season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Houston Texans have an uncertain wide receiver room this season behind Nico Collins. Jayden Higgins is out for the season due to an ACL injury, and they've recently traded for Kayshon Boutte.

Xavier Hutchinson and Jaylin Noel are going to take on much larger roles as well. But, what about Tank Dell, who's coming back from a brutal leg injury during the 2024 season?

Well, according to NFL reporter John McClain, Dell's return to the Texans doesn't look nearly as promising as it's seemed at times this summer. Dell, unfortunately, doesn't appear ready to play.

"They should have a full-speed Tank Dell next season, too, hopefully sooner, although he's nowhere near ready to play," McClain reports.

This isn't the kind of update that Texans fans will like to hear. Dell, out since the 2024 season when he suffered a gruesome leg injury, is finally approaching a return to play.

But, said return might not come for a while, as McClain's report indicates Dell is still a ways away from being good to go.

It's a huge shame, as getting Dell for the 2026 season would've been huge, since he's been very productive during the two seasons he was on the field in 2023 and 2024.

MORE: Why Patriots traded Kayshon Boutte to Texans for Jaylen Reed and a 7th-round draft pick

He caught 47 of 75 targets for 709 yards and seven touchdowns his rookie season, followed by 51 receptions on 81 targets for 667 yards and three touchdowns in year two before his season-ending, and career-altering leg injury.

The 26-year-old wide receiver is "nowhere" close to being ready to play, which is a bit of an upsetting update from McClain on a fan favorite WR working his way back from a brutal injury.

Dell could wind up coming back this season, as there's been plenty of buzz about his potential involvement in the team. But, it might not be at the start of the season, and the Texans might have to wait a while to see Dell back out on the field.

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