Houston could certainly use Dell’s contributions. The 2025 Texans finished with the league’s 18th-ranked offense, including a 14th-ranked passing attack, but lacked a true No. 2 receiving option opposite C.J. Stroud‘s favorite receiver, Nico Collins. Tight end Dalton Schultz finished second on the team in receiving yards at 777 with three touchdowns, more than 300 yards behind Collins (1,117 yards and six scores).
Dell’s injury and Stefon Diggs‘ departure meant Stroud needed to rely on rookie Jayden Higgins and usual third option Xavier Hutchinson, lowering their ceiling slightly. That potential dropped further once it became clear Houston’s offensive line, while improved, couldn’t form a firm wall of protection in front of Stroud.
Stroud’s struggles snowballed at the worst time in the postseason, as he turned it over seven times in two playoff games. Luckily, his team’s defense managed to score two touchdowns in a 30-6 win over Pittsburgh on Wild Card Weekend, but that good fortune didn’t carry over to New England, where Stroud’s meltdown led to a 28-16 loss to the eventual AFC champions.
If the Texans are going to clear the hurdle — the Divisional Round — that has stopped them in their tracks in each of the last three seasons, they’ll need as many weapons available as possible. A healthy Dell would, in theory, provide that boost.
That’s why Ryans isn’t rushing Dell back. He knows the most important days arrive in winter, not spring.
Houston will continue to be patient as the organization keeps its eyes trained on January.