Houston Texans WR Tank Dell was spotted skipping rope! He showed no traces of the leg surgery he had for a broken fibula just a few months back. The injury came unexpectedly in the season’s 11th game during a high-stakes moment in the red zone. Dell was doing his part, blocking, when a tangle of players brought him down, his leg bearing the unfortunate brunt of the collapse.
Despite this setback cutting his season short the Florida-born player left an indelible mark. He made history setting a new franchise record for a rookie with seven touchdown catches. And now there’s more good news regarding his recovery.
Tank Dell’s fast track road to recovery
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From the intense sessions of sprinting and perfecting routes to the rigorous regimen of strengthening and flexibility drills with his trainer, Justin Allen, Dell is surpassing expectations. With an eye on a triumphant return for the spring’s organized team activities, the anticipation is palpable.
#Texans wide receiver Tank Dell @Tankdell4 continues to make outstanding progress in his recovery from broken fibula. Justin Allen @justinallen_13 'I don't think he has missed a beat. He looks like the Tank Dell we all know. He's feeling good' @KPRC2 @UHCougarFB #NFL… pic.twitter.com/QJypf6DJKz
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 23, 2024
His trainer’s enthusiasm is evident. “Oh man, he’s good,” he shared with KPRC 2, unable to hide his optimism, “He’s feeling good. He’s getting back to where he left off.” Remarkably, Dell’s agility remains undiminished. “I don’t think he has missed a beat. He looks like the Tank Dell we all know.” Allen revealed.
While Dell has been hitting weights, the objective isn’t to bulk up beyond his 5-foot-8, 165-pound stature but to harness and increase his power and speed. Before his injury, he was on the path to recording a stellar rookie season.
Dell’s amazing rookie season
Dell was eyeing a season with 73 catches, over a thousand yards, and a remarkable 11 touchdowns before an injury halted this. He even surpassed Owen Daniels’ record for the most touchdown receptions by a rookie in the franchise’s history. Dell’s knack for making big plays was evident. Four of his receptions stretched beyond 20 yards each, ending in touchdowns. This impressive feat ranked him third among WRs in the league for 20 yards plus touchdowns.
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Tank Dell has already shattered Texans rookie records for touchdown receptions and broken in-game records.
Can he take over Andre Johnson's yardage record from 2003 in the team's final six games? He needs only 267 yards to do so #WeAreTexanshttps://t.co/r1UEXkAxWw pic.twitter.com/EDrrMmL956
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) November 28, 2023
The potential for Tank Dell to be recognized at the Pro Bowl is almost certain. “I think so, too,” Allen concurred, “The injury may have cut his momentum short, but there’s a bigger picture. I’m keen to see how he bounces back in his second year. It’s something innate, a rare blend of talent, mindset, and humility that sets him apart.”
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With a dedicated rehab regimen, could Dell fully participate in the Texans’ offseason conditioning program as well?