Texans receiver Tank Dell set to return Sunday against Giants
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The gist
Texans wide receiver Tank Dell is expected to play Sunday against the Giants after about 22 months out.
His return adds a quick target to a Houston offense that started 0-4.
Background
Tank Dell is a 26-year-old Houston Texans wide receiver and a 2023 third-round pick out of Houston. He dislocated his left knee and tore several ligaments in a December 2024 collision with a teammate, missed the entire 2025 season and began 2026 on injured reserve while working back to top speed. The Texans opened his 21-day practice window on Oct 6, and coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday he would return against the Giants.
How it unfolded
- 2023Dell caught 47 passes for 709 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games as a rookie before fracturing his fibula in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos.
- 2024Dell was shot in the leg as a bystander at a mass shooting in Florida but recovered in time to start the 2024 season.
- Dec 21, 2024Dell dislocated his left knee and tore several ligaments (ACL, MCL, LCL) plus meniscus damage colliding with teammate Jared Wayne on a touchdown catch at Kansas City.
- 2025Dell missed the entire 2025 season.
- Oct 6, 2026The Texans opened Dell's 21-day practice window.
- Oct 19, 2026Head coach DeMeco Ryans announced Dell will return for Sunday's game against the New York Giants.
- Oct 23, 2026Dell was listed as a full practice participant with a knee designation on the Wednesday injury report.
- Oct 24, 2026Dell was listed as questionable, with reports indicating he is expected to play.
- Oct 25, 2026Dell is expected to play against the Giants at noon local time (1 p.m. ET), his first appearance in about 22 months.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Coach DeMeco Ryans said he has no huge expectations and is just happy to see Dell out there, adding that Dell is as quick as ever.
- Player
- Dell said he is anxious to get back out there and play some football.
- Caution
- Reports indicate Dell's workload if he plays will not be close to a full allotment of snaps.
Still unverified
Dell is officially listed as questionable, with reports indicating he is expected to play; how much of a workload he would get remains unclear.