As expected, the Texans are in line to receive reinforcements on both sides of the ball shortly. Receiver Tank Dell, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald and offensive tackle Braden Smith have each had their practice windows opened, as noted by KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.
Earlier this week, head coach DeMeco Ryans said the team planed to have every member of that trio back in the fold soon. As a result, today’s news comes as little surprise. This open’s the 21-day practice window for all three players.
Dell was moved to injured reserve-designated for return during roster cutdowns. That move guaranteed an absence of at least four weeks but it also accounted for his activation toward Houston’s in-season total of eight. McDonald and Smith have each been designated for return after landing on injured reserve last month.
Dell formed an immediate connection with quarterback C.J. Stroud across his first two seasons in Houston, but a gruesome leg injury brought his 2024 campaign to an abrupt end. The 26-year-old missed all of last season while recovering from multiple surgeries, but he continued to make progress on that front over the summer and is now in line to return to the field in short order. Dell is a pending free agent, so his market will depend in large part on his ability to produce once more in the Texans’ passing game.
Smith spent each of his first eight NFL seasons with the Colts, starting all but two of his 107 appearances. He recovered from offseason neck surgery in time to be named to Houston’s initial roster, but a partially torn plantar fascia suffered in joint practices this summer required an IR stint to start the current campaign. Smith, who inked a two-year, $20MM free agent pact, will look to help a Texans offensive line which has once again been an issue early in 2026 despite a slew of changes having been made to the unit.
McDonald’s regular-season debut was delayed by an ankle sprain. It is encouraging the second-round rookie has returned to practice at the first possible opportunity, though. Houston’s defense has largely underwhelmed so far in 2026, although the team ranks fourth in rushing yards allowed per game. McDonald should be able to assist in that area in particular once he finds his way onto the field.
Once Dell, Smith and McDonald are activated, the Texans will be left with safety Ja’Marcus Ingram and offensive tackle Sam Hagen as candidates to make an in-season return from IR.
