Tank Dell is back for the Houston Texans.
Following the team's 34-31 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans announced on Monday that Dell would be removed from the 21-day practice window and added to the active roster.
For the first time in nearly two years, Dell is expected to play on Sunday in Week 7 when the team takes on the New York Giants.
"We're excited to have Tank back on Sunday," Ryans said.
Dell, who has 10 career touchdowns in two seasons, made strides toward returning sooner while appearing in several non-contact practices. However, Dell was never able to partake in team drills, eventually leading to him being placed on the injured reserve to the begin the year.
Coach DeMeco Ryans just announced that WR Tank Dell is going to play on Sunday vs the #Giants, his first game since December 2024. pic.twitter.com/BiMDS6Q7oU
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 19, 2026
General manager Nick Caserio said previously that Dell was working on getting back to his top speed, something that had been in discussion since late last season. By the end of the 21-day window, Houston will have to either call up Dell and place him on the active roster, or shut him down for the rest of the regular season.
"You have to see how guys respond to practice,” Ryans said. “This would be the first time that all those guys were back out practicing. We see how they respond, how their week goes and then we’ll see what happens on Sunday.”
Right now, the Texans have one trusted playmaker in Nico Collins, who finished with over 100 yards in his first game back from a hamstring injury. Outside of him, there are question marks about a consistent No. 2 option. The Texans recently added Marvin Harrison Jr. from the Arizona Cardinals and have Jaylin Noel stepping up, but the return of Dell would only elevate the roster more.
Tight end Dalton Schultz leads the way with 214 yards off 21 receptions, though 140 yards came in Week 2's loss against the Cincinnatti Bengals.
Houston kicks off on Sunday at Noon on CBS.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans HC DeMeco Ryans announces WR Tank Dell's return in Week 7