Houston Texans star rookie Tank Dell began his road to recovery from a broken fibula by starting light pool work in January.
According to a report from Will Kunkel of FOX 26 Houston, doctors overseeing Dell's rehabilitation have noted that his recovery progressing well.
However, Kunkel also emphasized Dell still has a significant journey ahead of him. Especially considering the point of the season in which the injury occurred - Week 13 vs. the Denver Broncos.
Dell was injured on the back end of a three-yard touchdown run by Dameon Pierce, which gave Houston a 10-0 lead with around four minutes remaining in the first quarter.
This unfortunate injury interrupted an impressive streak for Dell, where he managed four consecutive games with a minimum of eight targets, 50 yards, and one touchdown.
"That one hurts a lot," Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said after the injury in December. "Not as a football player, it has nothing to do with football. Just as a person, as an individual, he’s a really special kid, and it’s been a joy to have him around. It’s been a joy to have him just be part of what we’ve done this year.
Despite the injury, Dell's rookie season statistics showcased his potential.
Averaging 4.3 catches for 54.5 yards and 0.64 touchdowns per game, Dell proved himself as a legitimate star in the Texans offense. Especially considering that those numbers were achieved despite missing two games early in the season due to injuries.
Excluding the games affected by injury, games Dell's stats were even more eye-popping, with the rookie averaging 5.1 catches for 77.3 yards and 0.88 touchdowns on 8.5 targets per game.
Looking ahead, the Houston offense seems poised for success with C.J. Stroud delivering passes to Dell and fellow breakout star from 2023, Nico Collins.
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