The Houston Texans resumed practice following their preseason opener, with notable developments surrounding players Jalen Pitre and Tank Dell. Pitre returned to the field, which is a positive sign for the team, while Dell's absence raised concerns as he continues to recover from a significant knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans has expressed his expectation that healthy players will participate in the upcoming Preseason Week 2 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Pitre's return is particularly important as he missed multiple games in the previous seasons, and his presence could bolster the Texans' defense. Reports indicated that Pitre was practicing well, having been out the previous week.
In contrast, Dell's situation is less certain. His absence from practice coincided with reports on other injured players, including wide receiver Jaylin Noel. Dell had previously avoided starting training camp on the injured list, but his current status raises questions about his readiness for the Raiders game.
The Texans are facing challenges with injuries across various positions. While no starters are currently at risk of missing the Raiders game, the depth of the roster is being tested. Players not practicing included Dell, Noel, and several others dealing with various injuries.
To address these issues, the Texans have signed running back Owen Wright and tight end Louis Hansen. They are also looking to strengthen their roster by exploring options with cornerback Ka'dar Hollman and addressing linebacker needs with the signing of Sione Takitaki, who has since been placed on injured reserve.
