Tank Dell Injury Update: Texans WR Unlikely to Return in 2025 Fantasy Season

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell remains sidelined after one of the most severe knee injuries in recent NFL memory. The 25-year-old playmaker has been on the reserve/PUP list since August 26, 2025, and the team has not provided any timetable for his return. For fantasy football managers hoping for a miracle comeback, the outlook is bleak.

Dell suffered the injury in Week 16 of the 2024 season against the Kansas City Chiefs. He collided with teammate Jared Wayne while scoring a touchdown, resulting in multiple ligament tears and a dislocated kneecap. Head coach DeMeco Ryans has praised Dell’s recovery efforts but made it clear that the team will not rush him back.

Tank Dell Injury Update and Texans’ WR Room

Dell’s knee injury included a torn ACL, MCL, meniscus damage, and a dislocated kneecap. According to medical experts cited by SportsMedAnalytics, multi-ligament injuries of this magnitude typically take at least 14 to 16 months before a player is ready for NFL-level action. Dell underwent multiple surgeries, with his latest procedure — an ACL reconstruction — performed in March 2025.

Given that timeline, his chances of playing this season are almost nonexistent. The Texans have already adjusted, trading for Christian Kirk and adding veterans Justin Watson and Braxton Berrios in free agency. Rookie wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel also joined the roster, while Nico Collins, fresh off a Pro Bowl season, remains the team’s top target.

Without Dell, Houston’s offense is leaning on depth and new acquisitions to support quarterback C.J. Stroud. The team is planning for the long-term, which indicates they do not expect Dell to return before 2026.

Fantasy Football Impact and Long-Term Outlook

For fantasy football purposes, Tank Dell is a complete non-factor in 2025. Even in an absolute best-case scenario, he would return late in the season in a limited role. That is not enough to justify a roster spot during the fantasy playoffs. History also shows that players with multi-ligament injuries often struggle to regain pre-injury explosiveness.

Dell showed flashes of stardom before the injury, recording 51 receptions for 667 yards and three touchdowns in 2024. Fantasy managers who play in dynasty leagues may still hold out hope for 2026 and beyond. But in redraft formats, Dell should not be drafted, stashed, or started this season.

Tank Dell Injury Update confirms he is unlikely to return this year. Fantasy managers should shift focus to players who can provide immediate production, while hoping Dell can make a successful comeback in 2026.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest Tank Dell injury update?

Dell remains on the Texans’ reserve/PUP list with no return timetable. He is expected to miss the 2025 season.

Q2: Will Tank Dell play in 2025?

No. His recovery timeline and injury severity make a 2025 return unrealistic.

Q3: Should fantasy managers stash Tank Dell?

Not in redraft leagues. Dynasty managers may hold him, but his value is tied to 2026.

Q4: How does Tank Dell’s injury affect the Texans’ offense?

The Texans added Christian Kirk, Justin Watson, and Braxton Berrios to fill the gap, with Nico Collins leading the WR group.

Q5: What did Tank Dell achieve before his injury?

In 2024, he had 51 catches for 667 yards and three touchdowns before being injured in Week 16.