Texans Facing Tank Dell Decision After Unfortunate News

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Texans Facing Tank Dell Decision After Unfortunate News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tate Mosher | Last updated Oct 26, 2026 2:01 PM ET

After roughly 22 months away from an NFL field due to various knee ligament surgeries, wide receiver Tank Dell was finally able to suit up for the Houston Texans in NFL Week 7. He played 14 offensive snaps and logged one catch for 43 yards.

The Texans unfortunately lost to the upstart New York Giants at home by a score of 27-21. Houston could not score in the overtime period as they dropped to 2-5 during what was expected to be a big season for the team.

As for Dell, he was able to help out in his limited action and more importantly make it through with no injury scares. The same can not be said for fellow WR Jaylin Noel, who left the Giants game in the fourth quarter with turf toe.

As of Monday afternoon, the Texans are evaluating Noel to see how much time he may miss. If he is to miss some time, then head coach Demeco Ryans may have a choice to make for WR personnel.

#Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Jaylin Noel still being evaluated to see how significant his turf toe injury is going to be wind up being
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 26, 2026

Dell’s 14 snaps on Sunday equated to 23% of the offensive snaps over the day. The receivers that were over him in the game include Nico Collins, Kayshon Boutte, Xavier Hutchinson and Noel.

With Noel now expected to be out for some time, it could be Dell that picks up the slack and takes his snaps if he is ready. The 26-year-old looked sharp on his 43-yard reception, with 26 of those yards coming after the catch.

Over Dell’s first two NFL seasons, he played roughly two-thirds of all snaps. He likely will not get to that number for a bit longer in 2026, but Houston could be thinking to slowly but surely raise his snap count as the season rolls along.

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

If not this week, it could be new trade acquisition Marvin Harrison Jr. that receives more snaps. Boutte is also an option, as he has not played much this year even after a couple of strong seasons with the New England Patriots.

One more thing to take into account is that the Texans are on bye in Week 8. That gives both Dell and Noel some time to rest up, and Ryans and the coaching staff more time to decide on how they want to handle the situation.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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