The Houston Texans resumed practice following their preseason opener, with notable developments regarding players Jalen Pitre and Tank Dell. Pitre returned to practice, marking a positive step for the team, while Dell was absent, raising concerns about his recovery from a significant knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans 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 beneficial as he had missed multiple games in previous seasons, and his presence is crucial for the team's defensive strategy. Reports indicated that Pitre was practicing on August 15, following a week of absence.
In contrast, Dell's absence was noted alongside other injured players, including wide receiver Jaylin Noel. While Dell had previously avoided an injured list at the start of training camp, his current status remains uncertain, and it is unclear if he will be deemed fit to play against the Raiders.
The Texans are facing a challenging injury situation, with several players not participating in practice, including Noel, Ja'Marcus Ingram, and Brevin Jordan, among others. Despite these setbacks, no starters are reported to be in immediate danger of missing the game against the Raiders. However, the team's depth will be tested as they navigate these injuries.
To bolster their roster, the Texans have signed running back Owen Wright and tight end Louis Hansen. They are also exploring options to address their linebacker issues, including a potential reunion with cornerback Ka'dar Hollman.
