Jan. 29, 2026, 3:41 p.m. CT

While some Houston Texans fans are out of quarterback C.J. Stroud after Year 3, Tank Dell believes the best is still to come.

The Texans‘ star third-year wideout told reporters on Wednesday that he’s “back” after missing the entire 2025 season due to a knee injury. Dell also said that while Stroud struggled during the postseason, he still has faith in “seven” to bounce back in 2026.

“People can say what they want about 7,” Dell said of his fellow 2023 draft pick. “That’s just them sitting there on their couches, typing on their computers, typing on their phones. But everybody knows who 7 is, especially in the facility; we know who he is.”

Dell and Stroud became one of the league’s rising duos in 2023 after being selected in the first and third rounds, respectively. While Stroud went on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, Dell broke out as the next big threat in Houston, totaling 709 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games before a broken leg ended his season in December.

Even after a slow start, Dell and Stroud found their groove a season later, combining for 51 receptions, 667 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 14 games. Then came the Kansas City Chiefs game and a year removed from football.

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Dell suffered a dislocated knee, a torn ACL, MCL, LCL and meniscus damage, all issues that required immediate and several surgeries to repair. After that, a 14-month-long rehabilitation process cost Dell the 2025 season and another year to build a rapport with Stroud.

But Stroud never lost confidence in his teammate’s ability to overcome the odds and return to the field. As the season wound down, Dell’s reps heated up as an attempt to return was on the table for a brief instance.

“I’m super proud of him and I can’t wait to get on the field with him again,” Stroud said following the divisional round loss to New England. “Y’all know the connection we have.” 

That connection was missed during the regular season, but reached a peak in the 28-16 loss against the Patriots earlier this month at Gillette Stadium. Down both Dalton Schultz and Nico Collins, Stroud threw four interceptions, including a pick-six, and completed less than 50 percent of his passes for under 250 yards.

Now healthy, Dell is ready to pick up the pieces where they left off back at Arrowhead Stadium.

“When we get back out there with him, it’s gonna be special,” Dell said. “So, we can let them say what they want.”