The Houston Texans’ offense is already short-handed with Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon sidelined, but it could be getting worse entering Friday’s final walkthrough.
Second-year receiver Tank Dell was missing from practice on Wednesday after leaving in Sunday’s 34-7 loss against the Minnesota Vikings. Not only is he dealing with a rib injury, but he also suffered aliments to the wrist and hand.
#Texans not practicing at start or today's session Joe Mixon (ankle), Tank Dell (ribs, hand-wrist) Dameon Pierce (strained hamstring) who's close to returning per sources @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 25, 2024
His status for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars is now in question.
While Dell finished with a season-high five catches for 62 yards, he’s yet to hit his full stride opposite Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said the former Houston speedster would be “day-to-day” following Wednesday’s practice.
“We’ll see how Tank goes throughout the week, Ryans said. “He should be fine.”
Dell’s vertical speed offers a second threat for the Texans’ passing game beyond the sticks. Last season as the team’s No. 2 target, he finished with 47 catches for 709 yards and seven touchdowns before suffering a season-ending leg injury in early December.
Dell’s been at his best when playing against Jacksonville. Last season in two games, he caught 10 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 19.5 yards per reception.
Cam Akers and Dameon Pierce are expected to start in place of Mixon if he can’t go due to his ankle. Should Dell be out, Houston would likely rotate a trio of Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson and former second-round pick John Metchie III.
Reminder: Tank Dell when he plays the jags pic.twitter.com/oCIOg3z2QI
— big ounce (@_bigounce) September 24, 2024
Kickoff at NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.
