Dell (leg) started light pool work in January, and doctors have been pleased by the wide receiver's progress during rehab thus far, Will Kunkel of FOX 26 Houston reports.
Kunkel notes that Dell is still a long ways away from being in game shape and wouldn't have any shot to play if the Texans had advanced to the Super Bowl. The third-round pick suffered a broken fibula Week 13, following four consecutive games with at least eight targets, 50 yards and one touchdown. Dell finished his rookie season averaging 4.3 catches for 54.5 yards and 0.64 touchdowns per game, despite exiting two games early with injuries and playing only 48 percent of snaps on offense Week 1. Not counting those three games, Dell averaged 5.1 catches for 77.3 yards and 0.88 touchdowns on 8.5 targets. The Texans haven't passed along much information regarding Dell's rehab since he had surgery Dec. 4, but Kunkel's report at least suggests the wideout is coming along well in his recovery. The Houston offense appears in good hands moving forward with C.J. Stroud throwing passes to Dell and fellow 2023 breakout star receiver Nico Collins.