Houston Texans: Rework Contract of Receiver Rehabbing from Injury

September 5, 2026 - 03:00

The Houston Texans have reworked the contract of wide receiver Tank Dell as he continues his long road back from a severe knee injury. Dell has not been cleared for full contact after suffering a devastating injury in December 2024 that included tears to his ACL, MCL, and LCL, along with meniscus damage and a dislocated kneecap. That injury ended his 2024 season and forced him to miss the entire 2025 campaign.

During training camp, Dell has been limited mostly to individual drills. The team has been cautious with his workload, and there is still no clear timeline for when he might return to game action. By restructuring his deal, the Texans likely gain some salary cap flexibility while also protecting themselves in case Dell cannot return to his previous form.

Before the injury, Dell showed flashes of being a dynamic playmaker. He was drafted in the third round in 2023 and quickly became a favorite target for quarterback C.J. Stroud. In his rookie season, he posted 709 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. His 2024 season was cut short after just 10 games, but he had already tallied 445 yards and three scores.

The Texans are hopeful Dell can eventually get back on the field, but they are not rushing the process. The reworked contract gives both sides more breathing room as Dell continues his rehab. For now, the team is focused on getting him healthy, even if that means waiting longer than originally expected.