Texans Waive Jamal Hill to Make Room for Tank Dell’s Expected Return

The Houston Texans are preparing to make room for wide receiver Tank Dell, waiving linebacker Jamal Hill from the 53-man roster.

The move opens a roster spot for Dell's pending activation ahead of his expected season debut against the New York Giants.

Houston is also signing rookie cornerback Collin Wright to the practice squad.

Hill's departure from the active roster does not necessarily mean his time in Houston is over. The Texans could still bring him back on the practice squad, allowing him to remain with the organization while opening a spot on the 53-man roster.

The linebacker now faces an uncertain next step after spending the past three seasons with Houston. At just 25 years old, Hill still has time to pursue another opportunity in the NFL.

Dell's expected return is the more significant development for Houston, as the wide receiver has been working toward his first NFL snap since December 2024.

With Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans confirming that Dell will suit up against the Giants this week, quarterback C.J. Stroud gets back one of his favorite targets. Dell's return gives Houston another weapon in the passing game and provides the offense with an opportunity to benefit from his playmaking ability.

While Hill is leaving the active roster, Houston is bringing Wright into the organization through its practice squad.

Wright, 22, originally joined Houston as an undrafted free agent out of Stanford after the 2026 NFL Draft. The Missouri City, Texas, native spent all four of his collegiate seasons with the Cardinal, recording five interceptions and 14 passes defensed during his college career.

During his time at Stanford, Wright appeared in 36 games. He started 11 games in 2024, finishing the season with 45 tackles, three interceptions and five passes defended. In his final collegiate season in 2025, he recorded 33 tackles and one interception in nine appearances.

Wright also made an impression during Houston's training camp, drawing attention for his ability to make plays on the football. His practice squad signing gives him an opportunity to continue developing within the Texans' defensive system while remaining available if the team needs additional depth in its secondary.

The move provides Houston with another option at cornerback without immediately requiring Wright to occupy a spot on the 53-man roster.

For Wright, this is another opportunity to prove himself and work toward earning a larger role. Meanwhile, Houston can continue evaluating their defensive depth while keeping flexibility across the roster.

Ultimately, the Texans' latest moves address two different roster needs. Hill's departure creates the opening Houston needs for Dell's activation, while Wright's arrival adds another developmental option in the secondary.