Texans HC DeMeco Ryans discusses WR Tank Dell's status after concerning injury report

A concerning report about wide receiver Tank Dell's health surfaced on Sunday. Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans attempted to downplay it in his Monday news conference.

Dell dislocated his left knee and tore multiple ligaments after he caught a 30-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter of a 27-19 road loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 21, 2024. In a story published Sunday, Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reported it's unlikely the WR will play in 2025 after undergoing a second surgery in March.   

Ryans said he has maintained contact with Dell throughout the offseason and indicated the wideout is making solid progress. 

"I talk to Tank all the time," Ryans said, via Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith. "Tank is doing great. He's in good spirits, he's on the road to recovery. He's doing well in his rehab process. He's in a really good spot, so excited to see how that continues to progress."

However, when asked when Dell could return, Ryans didn't provide a timetable.

"For Tank, I want him to continue to get better, continue to attack each day of the rehab process the right way, like he's been doing, with a great attitude," Ryans said. "He'll be back when it's time for Tank to be back. There's nothing to rush. There's no set timeline that we need him back by this certain day. We need Tank back when Tank is ready to be Tank, and that's good enough for me."

In March, the Texans acquired WR Christian Kirk in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

During the 2025 NFL Draft, they took Iowa State WRs Jayden Higgins (pick No. 34) and Jaylin Noel (pick No. 79). In their final season with the Cyclones, the wideouts combined for 2,377 receiving yards and 17 touchdown catches. 

These moves suggest the Texans are preparing for Dell to miss a significant period of time this season. Ryans not clarifying when the WR will return may fuel that notion.