For the first time since December 2024, Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell is on track to play against a live defense in a meaningful NFL game when the 2-4 Texans host the 3-2-1 New York Giants this coming Sunday afternoon.
While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Dell insisted that he will welcome contact while going up against the Giants.
Tank Dell ready to put his passion for football on display
“I know it’s a lot of questions, like, ‘How he gonna look when he gets tackled?’ I don’t care about none of that,” Dell said, per DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN. “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.”
A 2023 third-round draft pick, Dell suffered
a dislocated knee, a torn ACL, torn MCL, torn LCL and meniscus damage that left him needing multiple surgeries on Dec. 21, 2024. He is only under contract through the 2026 season, so, understandably, he’s eager to show he can contribute for a team that is looking to bounce back from a 0-4 start and compete for a playoff berth. That said, it’s unclear how many targets Dell will see and how many snaps he’ll play against the Giants.
“It’s just getting Tank back out there after missing two years of football,” Houston head coach DeMeco 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.”
Tank Dell “anxious” but not “overwhelmed” ahead of return
Of course, one can only guess how Dell’s body will react to taking punishing hits from defenders and what he will be coming off an injury that could threaten the career of a professional athlete. For now, he’s simply happy that rehab is behind him and that he’s preparing to play in a game.
“I’m blessed,” Dell added. “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.”
As of Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Texans as 10.5-point home favorites over the Giants.
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