Houston Texans star practices in pads for first time in nearly two years after 2024 career-threatening injury
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell has practised in full pads for the first time in almost two years, marking a significant step in his recovery from a serious knee injury sustained during the 2024 season. The injury, suffered in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, had been described as potentially career-threatening, so his return to contact work in training camp is a notable milestone for both the player and the team ahead of the new season.
Dell's setback occurred when he crumpled awkwardly in the end zone, immediately signalling the severity of the damage. Since then he has worked through an extended rehabilitation programme, and his reappearance in padded drills suggests the Texans' coaching staff now consider him close to full football fitness again as the 2026 campaign approaches.
- Tank Dell returns to padded Texans practice after 2024 knee injury.
- Injury was previously described as potentially career-threatening.
- Milestone comes as Texans prepare for the new NFL season.