After Being Injured In Mass Shooting, Houston Texans’ Receiver Tank Dell Makes Promising Return To Practice

Houston Texans receiver Tank Dell was injured during a mass shooting in Sanford, Florida, last month. Dell suffered a flesh wound as a bullet pierced the back of his leg and went through the front of his leg – he was sent to Texas immediately after staying in the hospital for a day after the shooting.

The Texans receiver quickly recovered from the wound, as he was seen on video running routes at the University of Houston’s training facility. Dell’s trainer, Delfonte Diamond, was amazed by the receiver’s fast recovery.

“Oh man, Tank looked good; it’s the real deal. He hasn’t lost a step,” he said.

Diamond posted a video on Instagram showcasing the receiver’s workout. The receiver caught a pass from quarterback C.J. Stroud as part of a 7-on-7 workout. “I’m happy for Tank to get back out there,” said coach DeMeco Ryans. “We know he went through a tragic situation. We’re just happy that he’s here back out doing what he loves, and that’s playing football.”

Fortunately, Dell’s injury was minor since his rookie season was cut short due to a broken left fibula. The Texans selected Dell in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, Dell recorded 47 receptions, 709 receiving yards and seven touchdowns—the seven touchdowns set a franchise record for a rookie.

Houston is counting on Dell to be a puzzle piece in the Texans’ offense coming into the 2024-2025 season because it’s expected that he will be the speedster of the receiving core. The Texans made a blockbuster trade with the Buffalo Bills earlier this offseason, acquiring receiver Stefon Diggs while sending the Bills a second-round pick for the 2025 draft. 

Nico Collins is expected to be Stroud’s top target in the passing attack. Additionally, the Texans signed former Cincinnati Bengal Joe Mixon to boost the running game.