Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell will play for the first time since suffering a gruesome knee injury in December 2024, head coach DeMeco Ryans announced Monday.
The Texans host the New York Giants on Sunday for their Week 7 matchup.
Dell suffered a dislocated knee, multiple torn ligaments, and meniscus damage in the Week 16 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs nearly two years ago. The injury occurred when he took a hit in the end zone while securing a touchdown catch.
The 26-year-old has since been rehabbing and missed all of last season. Houston opened his 21-day practice window in early October to prepare for his return.
"I expect Tank to be himself and just play the offense the right way," Ryans told reporters Monday, according to ESPN. "No huge expectations from what he needs to do.
"I'm just thankful and grateful for him to have this opportunity to return. I don't have any expectations, I'm just happy to see him out there. That's the only thing that matters."
Dell was selected in the third round of the 2023 draft out of Houston. Dell thrived as a rookie in 11 contests, catching 47 of 75 targets for 709 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had 667 yards and three scores in 2024 before suffering the knee injury.
Dell will slot into a depth chart that includes wide receivers Nico Collins, Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, and Kayshon Boutte. Harrison made his Texans debut Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars after the Texans acquired him in a trade from the Arizona Cardinals.
