Texans’ Tank Dell, Jimmie Ward return to practice, Joe Mixon, Laremy Tunsil held out of practice Wednesday

HOUSTON – Texans wide receiver Tank Dell returned to practice Wednesday on a limited basis in his first team work since bruising his ribs against the Minnesota Vikings and missing one game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Dell caught a season-high five passes for 62 yards on six targets in the Texans’ 34-7 loss to the Vikings.

Dell caught 47 passes for 709 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games as a rookie last season before he broke his fibula.

SEE ALSO Texans’ Tank Dell managing bruised ribs, unlikely to play against Jaguars; Joe Mixon sidelined, Jimmie Ward injured

Texans safety Jimmie Ward returned to practice from a groin injury that sidelined him against the Jaguars with rookie Calen Bullock starting in his place. He was limited.

Both Dell and Ward were moving well in their first practice.

Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon has made progress in his recovery from a sprained ankle that kept him out the past two games, but he was held out of practice Wednesday as the Texans continue to manage his injury suffered against the Chicago Bears on an illegal hip-drop tackle. Mixon could still wind up playing this week, barring a setback.

Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who sprained his ankle against the Jaguars and finished the game after getting checked out by trainers, was held out of practice Wednesday.

Texans defensive end Derek Barnett didn’t practice due to a shoulder injury.

Backup running back Dameon Pierce was present at practice in a jersey, but didn’t participate due to a strained hamstring that has sidelined him for the past

Several players were limited, including linebacker Jake Hansen (back), defensive end Jerry Hughes (hip) and center Juice Scruggs (hip).

Texans defensive tackle Kurt Hinish, recovered from a strained calf, returned to practice after being designated for return from injured reserve.

Texans defensive end Dylan Horton, in remission from Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, returned to practice after beginning the season on the non-football illness list.

Both Hinish and Horton participated fully.

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Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 click2houston.com.