Texans could make painful Tank Dell decision during NFL Draft

Earlier this spring, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans revealed that he didn't "know" if wide receiver Tank Dell would make a full return to practice for organized team activities in May coming off the gruesome knee injury that has kept Dell out of action since December 2024.

While speaking with reporters on Monday, Texans general manager Nick Caserio suggested that he may find a replacement for Dell after the 2026 NFL Draft gets underway on April 23.

Tank Dell may face "competition" to remain with Texans?

"If there’s a receiver that we like, that we feel we want to add to the team, then we’re going to take them independent of what’s going on," Caserio said about whether Dell's status could impact the Texans' draft plans, per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. "In the end, the competition will sort itself out."

Dell hasn't played in a meaningful game since he suffered a dislocated knee, a torn ACL, torn MCL, torn LCL and meniscus damage on Dec. 21, 2024. He is only under contract through the 2026 season, and it remains unknown what he will be once he is able to resume his career. 

Meanwhile, Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic is among those who think multiple noteworthy receivers (Denzel Boston, Omar Cooper Jr., KC Concepcion) could be on the board when the Texans are called to spend the draft's 28th overall pick. 

When will Texans know more about Tank Dell's possible return? 

On Monday, Caserio indicated that Dell's status hasn't changed all that much from when Ryans offered his update. 

"With Tank, honestly, it’s probably day to day," Caserio acknowledged. "We’ll see where he is — probably have a better idea as we get through the spring of what his availability is going to be in training camp. He’s been here pretty religiously since he’s been able to do more." 

It sounds like there's a chance that the Texans could add a talented pass-catcher or two to their roster before Caserio has a "better idea" of what Dell will be able to do and when this offseason.