Tank Dell Set for Texans Return After 22-Month Absence

Wide receiver Tank Dell will return to the Houston Texans lineup this Sunday against the New York Giants after missing the entire 2025 season.

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell will return to active game play against the New York Giants this Sunday, coach DeMeco Ryans announced Monday. The 2023 third-round pick has been sidelined for 22 months following a Week 16 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in December 2024. During that contest, Dell suffered a dislocated kneecap and multiple torn ligaments, an injury that forced him to miss the entire 2025 NFL season.

Dell began the 2026 campaign on injured reserve after participating primarily in individual drills during training camp. His preparation included only two days of team drills, with a single padded session occurring on Aug. 10. The Texans opened his practice window two weeks ago, and the receiver has since participated in team activities without experiencing setbacks.

The Houston receiving corps currently includes Nico Collins, Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Kayson Boutte. The Texans enter Sunday's matchup with a 2-4 record following a divisional victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. While Ryans noted he has no specific performance expectations for Dell's first game back, the receiver is expected to see his first live action in over two years.