HOUSTON -- Texans wide receiver Tank Dell is ready to be tackled in his first game in nearly two years.
Dell, who has been out since he suffered a gruesome knee injury in December 2024, will make his return Sunday against the New York Giants. And he made it clear he is not afraid.
"I know it's a lot of questions, like, 'How he gonna look when he gets tackled?'" Dell said. "I don't care about none of that. I'm ready to get tackled. I'm gonna be joyful. Y'all gonna see the passion I have after I had that first catch."
Sunday will mark Dell's first game since he sustained multiple torn ligaments and a dislocated kneecap in the Texans' Week 16 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 21, 2024.
It has been almost 22 months since he has appeared in a game, but he said he is grateful to even be in position to play again.
"I'm blessed," Dell said. "I want to thank God for getting me back in this position. But I don't think I'm overwhelmed. I'm anxious, of course, but I don't think I'm overwhelmed. I'm anxious to get back out there and play some football."
A third-round pick in 2023, Dell started the 2026 season on injured reserve when Houston made its 53-man roster cuts even though he practiced throughout training camp. He took part only in individual drills throughout the summer because he wasn't fully ready for contact. He said Wednesday that he felt he was back to his old self last month.
Dell returns to a crowded Texans wideouts room, which includes Nico Collins, Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kayshon Boutte. But coach DeMeco Ryans said he hasn't placed any expectations on Dell as far as the number of reps he receives. He is just focused on celebrating Dell's return.
"It's just getting Tank back out there after missing two years of football," Ryans said. "That's the main thing. Him just going out playing ball. I don't care how many reps he gets. But I'll have my Tank Dell jersey on."
