Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell says he is ready to be tackled in his first game in nearly two years. Dell, who has been sidelined since suffering a gruesome knee injury in December 2024, will make his return Sunday against the New York Giants. He made it clear he is not afraid, saying he doesn't care about questions over how he will look when he gets tackled.
"I'm ready to get tackled. I'm gonna be joyful. Y'all gonna see the passion I have after I had that first catch," Dell said.
Sunday will mark Dell's first game since he sustained multiple torn ligaments and a dislocated kneecap in the Texans' Week 16 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 21, 2024. It has been almost 22 months since he last appeared in a game, but he said he is grateful to be in position to play again. "I'm blessed," Dell said. "I want to thank God for getting me back in this position."
A third-round pick in 2023, Dell started the 2026 season on injured reserve when Houston made its 53-man roster cuts, even though he practiced throughout training camp. He took part only in individual drills over the summer because he wasn't fully ready for contact. He said he felt he was back to his old self last month.
Dell returns to a crowded wideouts room that includes Nico Collins, Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kayshon Boutte. Coach De Meco Ryans said he has not placed any expectations on Dell regarding the number of reps he receives. "It's just getting Tank back out there after missing two years of football," Ryans said. "That's the main thing."
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing