Published October 21, 2026 09:36 PM
Texans wide receiver Tank Dell has not played a game since Dec. 21, 2024, when he tore multiple ligaments and dislocated his kneecap in a game against the Chiefs. The gruesome knee injury threatened his career.
“I’m blessed,” Dell said, via DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN. “I want to thank God for getting me back in this position. But I don’t think I’m overwhelmed. I’m anxious, of course, but I don’t think I’m overwhelmed. I’m anxious to get back out there and play some football.”
The Texans opened Dell’s practice window on Oct. 5, and he returns to game action on Sunday against the Giants.
“I know it’s a lot of questions, like, ‘How he gonna look when he gets tackled?’” Dell said. “I don’t care about none of that. 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, a third-round pick in 2023, will likely be on a snap count Sunday. That doesn’t matter to him or to the Texans.
“It’s just getting Tank back out there after missing two years of football,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “That’s the main thing. Him just going out playing ball. I don’t care how many reps he gets. But I’ll have my Tank Dell jersey on.”
Dell has 98 receptions for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns in his career.