Tank Dell sues onto full pads at Texans camp after devastating 2024 knee injury

Wide receiver Tank Dell participated in a full-pad practice with the Houston Texans for the first time since his catastrophic knee injury in December 2024.

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell, 26, stepped onto a practice field in full protective gear Wednesday, his first such appearance since a career-threatening knee injury in December 2024. The injury, sustained while catching a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, left his left knee dislocated and resulted in multiple ligament tears, a ruptured patellar tendon, extensive meniscus damage and a vascular injury that required emergency surgery.

Dell engaged in significant portions of the session but was removed from certain drills as the team evaluates any pain, swelling or other setbacks. He has described the rehabilitation as a "roller coaster" but remains optimistic about his progress. The Texans are proceeding cautiously, with the long-term goal of having Dell compete in the 2026 season, and the next steps will depend on his response to this practice. The team opens the regular season on September 13 against the Buffalo Bills at home.