Tank Dell set to play Sunday in first game since 2024 knee injury
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans says Tank Dell will play Sunday against the Giants, his first game since a torn-ligament, dislocated-kneecap injury in December 2024.
Why Tank Dell is playing Sunday
Tank Dell is playing Sunday. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans announced Monday that the wide receiver will return against the New York Giants, his first game action since he tore multiple ligaments and dislocated his kneecap in Houston's Week 16 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in December 2024.
Ryans was asked what he expects from Dell in his first game back. "No huge expectations from what he needs to do," Ryans said. He added that he is simply grateful for the chance to see Dell on the field again after more than two years away, and that getting him out there for the first time in that long is the only thing that matters to him right now.
The two years since Kansas City
Dell is a 2023 third-round pick who has not played in a regular-season game since that night in Kansas City. He missed the entire 2025 season recovering from the torn ligaments and the dislocated kneecap he suffered in the Week 16 loss to the Chiefs.
That absence stretched to 22 months by the time Ryans made Monday's announcement, covering all of last season and the start of this one.
How Dell worked his way back
Houston placed Dell on injured reserve when it set its 53-man roster for the 2026 season. He was not on the physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp, but he took part only in individual drills throughout camp. He practiced with the team in only two sessions during camp, and just one of those was in pads, on Aug. 10.
Dell's practice window opened two weeks ago, and he has practiced since without any setbacks. Ryans has not detailed what role Dell will play Sunday, only that he is thankful for the opportunity and does not have expectations beyond seeing him get game action again.
Where he fits now
Dell returns to a receivers room that includes Nico Collins, Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kayshon Boutte.
The Texans are 2-4 this season. They are coming off a divisional win in London over the first-place Jacksonville Jaguars, and Dell's return against the Giants gives Houston another body in that receivers room as it tries to build on that result.
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