Texans' Tank Dell to make long-awaited return in Week 7

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Texans' Tank Dell to make long-awaited return in Week 7

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 19, 2026 4:50 PM ET

For the first time in almost two full years, the Houston Texans will have wide receiver Tank Dell on the field for game action.

Tank Dell is ready to return to the field

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans announced Monday that Dell will be making his season debut in Week 7 against the New York Giants.

Dell has been out of action since December 2024 when he suffered a torn ACL, MCL, ligament damage and a dislocated knee all on the same play.

Houston opened Dell's practice window just under two weeks ago, and it appears that after going through practices for a couple weeks, he is ready to make his return.

Texans HC DeMeco Ryans announced that WR Tank Dell is going to play Sunday vs. the Giants in what will be his first NFL game since December 2024.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 19, 2026

Tank Dell's NFL career got off to an excellent start

Prior to his injury in 2024, Dell was off to an outstanding start in his first two seasons. He collected 98 catches for 1,376 with 10 touchdowns.

Dell was coming an outstanding No. 2 receiver alongside Nico Collins, and Houston appeared to have a stellar young duo on its hands. That all changed when Dell was injured, and the Texans offense has been without a clear No. 2 receiver since.

Can Tank Dell return to form?

With almost two years away from game-action, it would be completely normal to see Dell need some time to get back used to game speed. When he does adjust, though, it will be intriguing to see just how productive he can be and what kind of impact he has on the game.

At the very least, Dell's return will take some defensive attention off Collins, something that will help him get open more and have an opportunity to make more plays.

If Dell can return to even close to what he showcased in his first two seasons, Houston could all of a sudden emerge as a contender in the AFC South even after a disastrous 0-4 start.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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