Texans GM Nick Caserio Gives Encouraging Update on Tank Dell's Return Timeline

The Houston Texans could soon get a major boost to their passing attack soon, as wide receiver Tank Dell continues progressing toward a return from his devastating knee injury.

General manager Nick Caserio recently provided an encouraging update on Dell's recovery, suggesting the receiver could return as soon as this week or next week, barring a setback.

“He’s trending, unless he has a setback, he’s trending in the right direction. Whether it’s this week or next week,” Caserio said on 95.7 The Fan.

The update gives Houston a clearer timeline for Dell's potential return after the receiver has not appeared in a regular-season game since suffering a dislocated knee and multiple torn ligaments in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs in December 2024.

The injury sidelined him for the remainder of that season and kept him out throughout the entire 2025 season. Although Dell participated in training camp this summer, he was placed on injured reserve to begin the 2026 campaign as he continued working toward a full recovery.

Houston opened Dell's 21-day practice window on Oct. 7, allowing him to practice while remaining on injured reserve. The move represented a significant step in his recovery, although the Texans still needed to evaluate whether he was ready to return to game action.

Dell was ultimately ruled out for Houston's Week 5 matchup against the Tennessee Titans after missing Friday's practice.

Caserio's latest comments suggest the Texans are encouraged by Dell's progress and believe his return could be imminent. However, the general manager's reference to a potential setback makes it clear that Houston is not treating either timeline as a guarantee.

The team's upcoming matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London is Dell's next opportunity to return. If he needs additional time, the following week's game against the New York Giants could be another possibility.

The Texans could also wait until after their Week 8 bye to give him a little bit more time to get up to speed.

When he does inevitably return, the Texans must be cautious and not expect an immediate return to his previous form. Dell has missed nearly two full seasons of regular-season football, and getting back into game shape after such a serious injury takes time.

The priority should be ensuring that Dell can return without risking another setback.

Caserio's comments offer the most encouraging indication yet that Dell is approaching the finish line in his recovery. Whether he returns against Jacksonville or the following week, Houston appears to be getting closer to welcoming one of its most promising playmakers back into the lineup.