The Houston Texans opened their 2025 season on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, but a critical piece of their offense was missing. Wide receiver Tank Dell, who is entering his third year in the NFL, remains sidelined after a devastating knee injury ended his 2024 campaign.
Despite having surgery in March, Dell is not yet ready to return for Week 1, leaving a major question mark for the team’s passing attack.
How Long Will Tank Dell Be Out?
Dell was having an impressive season heading into a Week 16 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024. Then, with 11:48 left in the third quarter and the Texans trailing 17-10, he made a brilliant 30-yard touchdown catch. However, that play came at a terrible cost.
As Dell secured the pass from C.J. Stroud, he collided with teammate Jared Wayne, and his knee was severely injured. Dell tore his ACL, damaged his MCL and LCL, tore his meniscus, and dislocated his kneecap. The 25-year-old was carted off the field and eventually had surgery in March 2025.
C.J. Stroud’s TD to Tank Dell.
Gut-wrenching. pic.twitter.com/uphlwfUPry
— Jeremy Branham (@JeremyBranham) December 24, 2024
While Dell’s recovery has been progressing steadily since the operation, there appears to be little chance of him returning anytime soon. In July, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans spoke candidly about Dell’s rehab and his outlook for the upcoming season. “He’s crushing the rehab. He’s doing phenomenal. Really great headspace. It’s great to see him in our meetings. … We’re not putting a timeline on Tank or define like he has to be back this season or this particular time.”
Even though Ryans made it clear the Texans are avoiding hard deadlines, Dell still faces an uncertain road back. An injury of this severity requires a long and complex rehabilitation process, and he is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025-26 season.
Well aware that they could not wait for Dell to return, the Texans retooled their receiving corps this offseason as the team traded for Christian Kirk, bringing in a proven veteran who can handle a significant target share. They also signed Justin Watson and Braxton Berrios during free agency, adding depth and special teams value.
However, the most important additions may have come through the 2025 NFL Draft, where Houston selected Iowa State wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in the second and third rounds, respectively.
Meanwhile, Nico Collins remains the focal point of the passing attack. The primary outside threat, who dealt with hamstring issues throughout last season, is currently listed as healthy. He is expected to shoulder the load as the Texans’ top receiver while Dell works his way back from injury.
Buccaneers vs. Texans Week 2 Preview
The Buccaneers enter their Week 2 matchup against the Texans fresh off a 23-20 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. Quarterback Baker Mayfield opened the season on a high note, while rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka delivered a sensational debut.
Egbuka hauled in four receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns, while Mayfield threw for 167 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. The Texans’ defense will be a big challenge for the Buccaneers’ offense, and how they perform remains to be seen.
Houston, meanwhile, comes into Week 2 after a disappointing loss to the Rams. C.J. Stroud’s struggles continued, as the Texans scored just nine points.
The third-year quarterback needs a big performance against the Buccaneers, or his standing among the league’s elite will come under greater scrutiny. Stroud is missing several key playmakers, but with his experience, he now has to find a way to make it work.