Overview
- On Wednesday Dell took the most on-field step of his rehab by practicing in full pads, completing individual drills and catching passes from quarterback C.J. Stroud.
- Treating doctors say Dell’s December 2024 injury included a knee dislocation, multiple ligament tears, a ruptured patellar tendon, meniscal and soft-tissue damage, and a vascular injury that required emergency surgery to restore blood flow.
- The Texans have followed a staged plan that kept Dell off formal injured lists entering camp, limited his team reps, and had him work with a trainer during periods so staff can monitor pain or swelling before advancing him.
- Coaches and reporters call Wednesday’s practice a meaningful rehabilitation milestone but stress it does not guarantee preseason snaps or regular-season availability because progress must be proven over repeated sessions without setbacks.
- Dell’s possible return matters for Houston’s offense because his deep‑threat speed complements C.J. Stroud and the team will balance medical caution with roster and game‑planning decisions as camp continues.