It was Week 16 of the 2024 season. The Houston Texans and the Chiefs were facing off at Arrowhead Stadium. Texans WR Tank Dell, while making a 30-yard TD in the third quarter, got crushed between Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie and teammate Jared Wayne. The 25-year-old dislocated his knee and suffered multiple torn ligaments, ending his season right there and then.

As his best friend was lifted off the field, QB CJ Stroud struggled to hold back his emotions. Struggling to find words at the post-game presser, he uttered, “It’s not easy just to let it go. Especially since that’s my best friend. It’s not easy to move on and just keep playing. But I tried to do the best I could.” That was heartbreaking.

Within the four months of the injury, Tank Dell has undergone two surgeries to repair his knee. Given the gruesome nature of the injury the WR has suffered, it’s very unlikely that he can step on the gridiron in the 2025 season. According to several reports, Dell may make a comeback in the 2026 season. Recently, Texans HC DeMeco Ryans, in a conversation with Houston’s local news station KPRC 2, dropped some updates about Dell as well as Jimmie Ward. 

The HC shared that while it’s uncertain to say when Dell will possibly return, the WR is making significant progress in his recovery journey. “I talk to Tank all the time. Tank is doing great. He is on the road to recovery. He is doing well in his rehab process,” said Ryans. “For Tank, I want him to continue to get better and continue to attack each day of the rehab process the right way, like he’s been doing with a great attitude.” Amen to that.

Talking about Tank Dell’s return, DeMeco explained that the team has not set a timeline for him to return. As soon as the 25-year-old is healthy enough to return, the team will be happy to have him back. “He’ll be back when it’s time for Tank to be back. There’s nothing to rush… We need Tank back when Tank is ready to be Tank, and that’s good enough for me.” We can only pray for his speedy recovery. 

So, while Dell’s comeback remains uncertain, there’s a good chance we’ll be hearing some positive updates about the team’s veteran player soon.

Texans’ Jimmie Ward shows progress in rehab: DeMeco Ryans

Former Niners safety Jimmie Ward joined forces with the Texans in 2023. His two seasons with the team have been deeply affected by injuries. But when Ward was healthy, he made some spectacular plays on the field. In the 2023 season, the veteran safety missed a few games following a hip injury and then had to sit out during the middle of the season after suffering a hamstring injury.

Last year in December, Jimmie had to exit due to a foot injury. But now, HC DeMeco Ryans has shared that the 33-year-old is showing progress as he prepares to kick off the 2025 season.

“Jimmie is on the road to recovery as well. He is out of his boot now,” said DeMeco. “He’s starting to get back to running a little bit. So, he’s in a good spot.” In the 2024 season, Ward played in 10 games, recording a total of 48 tackles. He made 2 interceptions, scored 1 touchdown, and blocked 4 passes. The Texans signed the veteran safety to a one-year extension worth $10.5 million.

“Jimmie is a great football player. I love how he plays the game. Whenever Jimmie is ready, I know he can help our football team win games. We saw him make game-changing plays for us, big-time plays in big moments,” added the Texans‘ HC. So, that’s hopeful news for Stroud if Jimmie Ward is out of his boot. Houston also picked Penn State’s safety Jaylen Reed in the sixth round of the draft. They’ve also added two wideouts from Iowa State, Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.

It’s clear that while the team is optimistic about its injured players’ return, they’re not taking any chances.