Tank Dell suffered minor injuries as one of the victims of an April nightclub shooting, but his recovery has gone well to date. The second-year Texans wideout is on track to take part in the team’s offseason workouts, although he could be limited for the time being.

Dell was hit in the leg, but his injuries required only a brief hospitalization. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 confirms no structural damage was suffered, and the 24-year-old is thus expected to make a full recovery. When addressing the situation, his trainer noted full participation in upcoming OTAs and minicamp should not be expected.

“I think [head coach] DeMeco [Ryans] will sit him out until the big camp in July,” Delfonte Diamond said (via Wilson). “I’m sure he’ll watch practice. DeMeco wants him to do routes on air. He’ll be at practice, I’m sure, but not full-go.”

Dell is of course also recovering from the fractured fibula which ended his encouraging rookie campaign. The Houston product was expected to be healthy in time for OTAs prior to the shooting, but his timeline to return to full practices has obviously been altered. A cautious approach on the team’s part would come as no surprise given Dell’s importance to Houston’s passing game.

The third-rounder totaled 709 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games last year. He received at least eight targets on five occasions during that span, developing early chemistry with quarterback C.J. Stroud. Regaining that form would go a long way to the team repeating its success from 2023, although Houston also has Nico Collins – who had a career year last season – returning for 2024. The team traded for Stefon Diggs this offseason, and the four-time Pro Bowler will provide Stroud with another high-profile target.

Still, Dell proved he is capable of handling starting duties last season, so his recovery will be worth monitoring this summer. As things stand, though, he should be back to full participation by the time training camp begins in mid-July.

Texans third-round rookie sensation Tank Dell found himself the victim in a public mass shooting Saturday night at a Sanford, Florida, nightclub, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. The 24-year-old has reportedly already been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery from his injuries.

Dell, a Daytona Beach native, was back in his hometown this weekend visiting his mother. Dell was apparently uninvolved in the shooting incident at Cabana Live but was caught in the resulting crossfire. Ten civilians, including Dell, suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the altercation, and Florida police took a 16-year-old suspect into custody after the shooting.

Dell had already been in the process of making a comeback from football-related injuries. The rookie standout missed the Texans’ final seven contests, including two postseason matchups, after suffering a fractured fibula. He underwent surgery to repair the fibula and has since made strides in his recovery.

Recently, Dell took part in Houston’s offseason conditioning program. He even participated in extra throwing sessions with fellow rookie standout quarterback C.J. Stroud, as well as extra training sessions with NFL trainer Justin Allen and private coach Delfonte Diamond.

Dell had previously told the media that he would be ready to participate in organized team activities when they start up in May. It’s unclear if this weekend’s incident will do anything to alter that timeline, but regardless, Dell is expected to make a full recovery and shouldn’t be affected by his injuries in the long term.

DECEMBER 4: When speaking to the media on Monday, head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed (via Aaron Wilson of KPRC2) Dell has undergone season-ending ankle surgery. The procedure puts an end to a highly encouraging rookie campaign and leaves Houston shorthanded on offense for the stretch run. Ryans added he expects Dell to be healthy in time for the offseason program.

DECEMBER 3: The Texans’ offense has been productive during today’s game against the Broncos, but the unit has been dealt a major blow in the process. Wideout Tank Dell was carted off the field early in the contest, and he has since been diagnosed with a fractured fibula, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

As a result of the injury, Rapoport notes an IR stint is headed Dell’s way. Being placed on injured reserve requires at least a four-week absence, but a lengthier one could very well be in store. The diagnosis is the same one Ravens tight end Mark Andrews received recently, and he is believed to be out for the remainder of the season.

Missing Dell for any signficant time would be a crucial blow for Houston’s passing game. The third-round rookie entered Sunday’s game with 47 catches for 709 yards and seven touchdowns. Those figures made him a staple of the Texans’ offense, especially in recent games. Dell has drawn double-digit targets four times this season, including a span of three straight contests in November. His unique skillset will be difficult to replace both on offense and special teams.

The 24-year-old has served as the Texans’ kick and punt returner this season. In the latter capacity in particular, he has made an impact. Dell has totaled 100 yards on 11 punt returns, adding to his 44 yards on a pair of kick returns. Veteran cornerback Desmond King handled kick return duties during today’s win, but Houston’s offense will be without a dynamic element if Dell is indeed forced to miss considerable time.

In his absence, the Texans leaned heavily on Nico Collins in the passing game. The third-year wideout was the team’s leading receiver heading into Week 13, and he posted a 9-191-1 statline on Sunday. Collins – who will be eligible for an extension at the end of the season – will be the focal point of Houston’s passing attack moving forward. The team also has John Metchie and Noah Brown as complementary options at the WR spot.

Further testing will no doubt be done on Dell in the near future, but the fact such a signficant injury has already been reported is obviously concerning. It will be worth watching closely how much time he ends up missing, and how the 7-5 Texans move forward as their playoff push continues.