Tank Dell Returns After Nearly Two Years, Hauls In a 43-Yard Catch in Texans' Loss
Tank Dell played his first game since a devastating knee injury in December 2024 on Sunday, catching his only target for 43 yards as Houston fell to the Giants 27-21 in overtime — and afterward said the plays he is used to making are still to come.
The result went against Houston, but Sunday brought the Texans the return they have waited nearly two years for. Wide receiver Tank Dell was back on the field for game action for the first time since a devastating knee injury in December 2024, in the Texans' 27-21 overtime loss to the New York Giants.
Dell was targeted once and made it count, hauling in a 43-yard catch — a longer gain than any other Houston receiver managed on the day. Tight end Dalton Schultz led the Texans with 45 receiving yards, and Houston's offense managed just 237 yards in all, while its defense gave up more than 400 yards but produced the stops that kept the game close into overtime.
After the game, Dell reflected on the return in comments reported by KPRC 2 Houston reporter Aaron Wilson. "I'm blessed. I feel blessed, but not really a relief. I'm grateful for everything, but I'm a playmaker. I'm so used to making those plays and there are so many more to come," he said, via Wilson's reporting. For a Houston offense that has leaned heavily on its passing game, a healthy Dell gives it back one of its most explosive downfield options.
