Dell (concussion) took part in the Texans' unofficial practice session Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. "Getting Tank back is big for us. ... He's a guy we can count on for a big play," head coach DeMeco Ryans told DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com.
While Ryans didn't officially confirm that Dell has cleared the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, the coach's comments to the media suggest that the Texans fully expect the rookie receiver to be available for Sunday's game in Carolina. Dell missed the Texans' Week 6 win over the Saints with the brain injury, but a well-timed Week 7 bye seemingly gave him added time to recover. Through his first five NFL games, Dell has compiled a 19-324-2 line on 28 targets.