Even though the Houston Texans are currently sitting at an abysmal 0-4, one can't help but consider what their record could be had they been fully healthy for the duration of the first month of the season. After today's announcement however, we'll able be able to see the answer begin to take shape.
Speaking to the media after yesterday's disappointing 34-30 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans announced that the 21-day practice windows for all three of defensive end Kayden McDonald, offensive tackle Braden Smith and wide receiver Tank Dell will be opened this week en route to their week five match up against the Tennessee Titans.
That's Houston's 2026 36th-overall draft selection, their two-year, $25 million free agency investment and another dynamic wide receiver respectively that could be finally available to them for the first time after four weeks of searching for playmaking in all the wrong places.
The Houston Texans are opening the 21-day practice window for Kayden McDonald, Braden Smith and Tank Dell this week
Kayden McDonald's value
At a time where Houston's defense is aching for any finishing ability that they can find, McDonald's massive frame in the middle of the defensive line would be a sight for sore eyes. It's not to say that defensive tackles like Sheldon Rankins, Mario Edwards Jr. or even Jaden Crumedy have been terrible, but that McDonald's level of play could help boost a lineup that could use a little but more punch at the line of scrimmage. Additionally, Edwards' Jr. tearing his ACL right before this is also a huge reason why McDonald's return could'nt have come at a better time.
Braden Smith's value
Smith was originally signed with the idea of being the starting right tackle for the Texans in 2026. Unfortunately, poor preseason play—and a partially torn plantar fascia—ultimately led to veteran tackle Trent Brown stepping up and taking his role while Houston figured out the rest of the offensive line. Fast forward to now, and Brown has not performed anywhere close to what the Texans have needed through four weeks.
Thus, the door is open for Smith to become what he was first envisioned to be when he signed in the offseason.
Tank Dell's value
Dell's value to the Texans is one of the worst kept secrets in the NFL. Without his dynamic, quick-twitch, downfield proficiency over the last two seasons, Houston's receiving corps. has struggled to be a legitimate threat to opposing defenses on a consistent basis. Even now, Nico Collins is truly the only target that quarterback C.J. Stroud and the offense can look to with complete confidence to make a game-altering play when required to.
If Dell is actually on track to debuting for the team anytime soon, Houston has a chance to kick their offense up to another level completely (and maybe even make things super interesting in the AFC for the remainder of the season).
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