Texans’ Tank Dell Undergoes Surgery on Torn ACL, Faces Long Recovery Road

HOUSTON – Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell is set to undergo surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn ACL he sustained during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs last December. This marks the second surgery for the second-year pro, who previously had procedures to address his lateral and medial collateral ligaments in January.

The injury occurred during a regular-season game on December 21, 2024, when Dell suffered a dislocated knee, along with multiple ligament tears, while catching a touchdown pass. As a result, he is projected to miss the entirety of the 2025 season, with his return to the field now uncertain.

“The recovery will be a long process,” Dell shared on social media before the surgery, signaling his commitment to rehabilitation. Reports indicate that despite the severity of the injuries, there is optimism surrounding his potential for a full recovery by the 2026 season.

“He’s doing well in the process,” Texas coach DeMeco Ryans said at the 2025 NFL scouting combine. “Seeing Tank around the building the past couple of weeks, seeing the shift in his mindset, there’s renewed energy. He’s excited about the recovery process.”

Since being drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Dell has shown considerable promise, highlighted by a strong rookie season that ended prematurely due to a broken fibula. His injuries raise concerns about his future in the league, and the Texans are expected to pursue additional wide-receiver talent this offseason, given Dell’s uncertain status and the potential loss of Robert Woods and Stefon Diggs to free agency.

Despite the excellent prospects for his recovery, the complexities of his injury challenge the timeline for his return. Dr. David Chao, a former NFL team doctor, noted that Dell’s injury was more complicated than a standard ACL tear. “This is a much more difficult recovery than just an ACL,” Chao explained, emphasizing that the combined ligament damage could make the path forward more challenging.

As Dell prepares for surgery, he remains active and engaged with teammates, including Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, further solidifying his support system. “It’s always special to have your brothers in there,” Stroud said regarding Dell’s presence at a recent game. “Keep him in your prayers, it’s a hard time for both of them right now.”

The Texans have approximately $9.8 million in cap space heading into free agency, allowing them to strategically address their receiving corps needs while Dell undergoes recovery.

In the wake of his injury, Dell remains determined, posting messages of resilience online and vowing to return to the field. “I’ll be back,” he wrote, embodying the tenacity characteristic of an athlete facing significant challenges. As he embarks on this recovery journey, both fans and teammates are rallying behind him, hopeful for a successful comeback.