Houston could certainly use Dell’s contribution. The 2025 Texans finished 18th in the league, including the 14th-ranked passing offense, but lacked a true No. 2 receiving option opposite CJ Stroud’s favorite receiver, Nico Collins. Dalton Schultz finished second on the team with 777 yards with three touchdowns, more than 300 yards behind Collins (1,117 yards and six scores).
Dell’s injury and the departure of Stefon Diggs meant Stroud had to rely on freshman Jayden Higgins and regular third baseman Xavier Hutchinson, which lowered the ceiling a bit. This possibility was further diminished when it became clear that Houston’s offensive line, although better, could not form a solid defensive wall in front of Stroud.
Stroud’s struggles snowballed at the worst time of the postseason, as he turned it over seven times in two playoff games. Fortunately, his team’s defense managed to score two touchdowns in a 30-6 win over Pittsburgh on Wild Card weekend, but that luck didn’t carry over to New England, as Stroud’s meltdown led to a 28-16 loss to the AFC champions.
If the Texans are going to shake off the obstacle — the division — that has stopped them in their tracks in each of the last three seasons, they need as many weapons available as possible. A healthy Dell would, in theory, provide that boost.
That’s why Ryans isn’t rushing Dell again. He knows that the most important days come in the winter, not the spring.
Houston will continue to be patient as the organization has its eyes trained on January.