Texans Need C.J. Stroud’s Hot Hand More Than a Tank Dell Comeback Against Titans

The Houston Texans received the kind of sight this week that can energize an entire fan base: Tank Dell back on the practice field. But as Houston prepares for Sunday’s battle of winless AFC South teams against the Tennessee Titans, the Texans should resist the temptation to make Dell’s return the story. The offense already has something working, C.J. Stroud is finding his rhythm, Nico Collins is healthy again, and Houston finally showed against Dallas what its passing attack can become.

Houston officially opened Dell’s 21-day practice window Tuesday, Oct. 6, along with tackle Braden Smith and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. Coach DeMeco Ryans said the Texans would evaluate how each player responds to his first week of practice before making any decision about Sunday. 

Dell was limited Wednesday and again Thursday because of his knee. That is encouraging progress, but it should not create artificial urgency.

Dell has not played a regular-season game since suffering a severe knee injury in December 2024. Houston has three weeks to evaluate him after opening the practice window. There is no football reason to turn an October divisional game, even an important one, into a deadline for his comeback.

Getting Dell back eventually could transform the receiving corps. Getting him back healthy matters more.

Houston’s 0-4 record makes it easy to overlook what Stroud is doing.

Through four games, he has thrown for 1,141 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions while completing 65.7% of his passes. His 95.9 passer rating comes despite being sacked 12 times. 

Then came his best performance of the season against Dallas.

Stroud threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns in the 34-30 loss, repeatedly attacking downfield and helping Houston reclaim the lead late in the fourth quarter. 

The Texans lost, but their quarterback finally looked comfortable.

Houston should build on that instead of reinventing the offense simply because Dell is getting closer.

Nico Collins reminded everyone of his value immediately upon returning from a hamstring injury against Dallas.

His presence restored the vertical threat Houston lacked during his two-game absence. Collins now has 14 receptions for 193 yards and three touchdowns in two appearances this season. 

Dalton Schultz has added 21 catches for 214 yards, while Houston also received meaningful contributions from Jaylin Noel, Kayshon Boutte and Xavier Hutchinson against Dallas.

Imagine eventually adding Dell’s speed and route-running ability to that group.

The possibilities are obvious.

Collins can command attention outside. Dell can attack vertically and work through traffic. Noel can become another explosive option rather than being asked to carry too large a role. Schultz can continue exploiting linebackers and safeties underneath.

That version of Houston’s passing game could become difficult to defend.

But it does not need to exist Sunday for the Texans to beat Tennessee.

The more immediate concern may be in front of Stroud.

Thursday’s official injury report listed tackles Aireontae Ersery and Blake Fisher and guard Ed Ingram as nonparticipants because of illness. Anderson improved from missing Wednesday’s practice with an ankle injury to limited participation Thursday. Al-Shaair remained limited with his groin injury. 

There was encouraging news, too. Clowney, Logan Hall, McDonald, Smith, Nathan Thomas and Wade Woodaz were full participants Thursday. 

The offensive-line situation deserves particular attention because Tennessee’s defensive front can create problems even if its offense has struggled.

Jeffery Simmons improved from a Wednesday absence to limited work Thursday because of his back injury. 

Houston cannot allow protection problems to waste another strong afternoon from Stroud.

Both teams enter Sunday 0-4. Kickoff is scheduled for noon Central on Oct. 11 at Nissan Stadium. 

Tennessee has averaged only 13.8 points per game through four weeks, while Houston is producing 343.8 yards of offense per game. 

That does not guarantee anything.

Winless teams are dangerous because desperation removes comfort from the equation. Tennessee understands exactly what Houston understands: Somebody can finally change the direction of his season Sunday.

Seeing Dell practice again is bigger than one football game. After everything he has endured, his return should happen when his body says he is ready, not when Houston’s 0-4 record says it would be convenient.

The Texans already have enough offensive talent to win Sunday. Stroud is protecting the football. Collins is back. Schultz is producing. The young receivers are contributing. Houston scored 30 points against Dallas.

Let Dell continue building.

For now, give the football to Stroud and let the quarterback who has thrown 154 passes without an interception carry the offense into Nashville. Houston does not need a comeback story Sunday. They need a win.