Houston Texans star practices in pads for first time in nearly two years after 2024 career-threatening injury

NFL Training Camp continues, and Danny Parkins asks if C.J. Stroud is good enough to lead the Houston Texans, whether or not the Green Bay Packers offense can carry the team until Micah Parsons returns, and if the Dallas Cowboys’ offense can make them Super Bowl Contenders.

The snapshot of Tank Dell crumpled in that end zone and desperately pointing at his dislocated knee in December of 2024 is something to recall but not relive because it was horrible to witness.

Dell, 26, hasn't played football since that moment, raising concerns he'd never play again and amid the echoes of naysayers predicting he'd never be the same.

But Tank Dell's comeback is on. And on Wednesday that long journey took a significant step when he stepped on an NFL practice field with his teammates in full pads for the first time at Houston Texans training camp.

ONE OF NFL'S FASTEST PLAYERS HAS 'NO POWER' IN ONE INJURED LEG, CASTING DOUBTS ON 2026 SEASON

Dell worked during significant parts of practice, although he took some periods and drills off. Yes, this return that has Dell playing for the first time since 2024 is a process.

And neither he nor anyone else in the Texans' organization is ready to make bold predictions about the comeback other than stating the goal is competing in 2026.

That's understandable if you know the history

While catching a touchdown pass against the Kansas City Chiefs, Dell collided with teammate Jared Wayne, causing his left knee to buckle violently beneath him.

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell, grabs his knee while being checked on by teammate Jared Wayne after catching a touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Doctors