Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell will return to the field against the New York Giants on Sunday, ending a long absence. Coach De Meco Ryans announced the news Monday, marking Dell's first game since suffering a major knee injury in December 2024. The 22-month hiatus has been a difficult stretch for the 2023 third-round pick, who missed the entire 2025 season after suffering multiple torn ligaments and a dislocated kneecap in the Texans' Week 16 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Ryans emphasized that he has no specific expectations for Dell's performance. "No huge expectations from what he needs to do," Ryans said. "I'm just going to be excited to see him just out there for the first time in over two years, just getting some game action." He added that he is simply grateful for the opportunity for Dell to return and is happy to see him back on the field.
Dell began the 2026 season on injured reserve after Houston made its 53-man roster cuts. He was not placed on the physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp, but he took part only in individual drills throughout camp. He participated in team drills on just two days, and only one of those sessions was in pads, on Aug. 10. His practice window opened two weeks ago, and he has practiced since without setbacks.
Dell rejoins a wide receivers room that includes Nico Collins, Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kayshon Boutte. The Texans currently stand at 2-4, but they earned a divisional win in London on Sunday against the first-place Jacksonville Jaguars.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing