DeMeco Ryans recently told reporters that Dell is “on the right track” in his recovery from a season-ending knee injury. We now know the specifics that prompted Ryans’ comment; two of the three injured ligaments have been successfully repaired. Whether Dell returns in time to take snaps in 2025 remains unknown but these are tangible, positive developments for the young receiver.

We’re still early in Dell’s recovery. The star receiver suffered a brutal injury in Week 16 when he tore his ACL, MCL, and LCL. We’re a long way from knowing whether or not Dell will be able to play in 2025, but with other knee surgeries on the horizon, we’re a long way from him resuming football activities in any capacity.

It sounds likely that the Texans will be on the lookout for some supplemental help at receiver with Stefon Diggs (torn ACL) a free agent and only John Metchie and Xavier Hutchinson on contracts behind Nico Collins. C.J. Stroud campaigned for the team to keep Diggs. The truth of the matter is that the Texans are going to need at least one more major receiver addition ahead of the 2025 season if they can’t count on Dell to play at all this season. By not putting a timeline on it, what they are saying is that they hope to be happily surprised.

Dell suffered a brutal knee injury in the Texans’ Week 16 loss to the Chiefs. The second-year receiver not only dislocated his knee but also suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and LCL while damaging his meniscus. He faces a long road to recovery, and there’s been no official timeline given for his 2025 return, but with more surgeries still scheduled, it could be a while before Dell gets back on a football field in any capacity.