It took nearly two years, but the Houston Texans are finally getting back wide receiver Tank Dell on Sunday in their Week 7 game against the New York Giants.
Texans All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson is ecstatic to have his friend and teammate back on the field.
“I've been hugging Tank all day. I haven't left his side all day,” Anderson said. “Literally before meetings and walking after meetings, I was just with him and we were talking. I was making a joke about his swag. I was like, ‘Hey, you still got that swag?’ He’s the freshest on the field, I'm not going to lie. I was asking if he still has it. But I was telling him, every time I’ve seen him today, ‘Bro, I'm so proud of you.’ The work that you continue to have put in through these last
two years, showing up, being consistent. I know it was hard. I know you didn't feel your best. Trusting God, leaning in on your process. You're going to spin. We were walking. He was like, ‘Bro, I'm just ready to spin.’ I was like, ‘You're going to get to spin Sunday.’ He's like, ‘I just want to.’ I said, bro, ‘Just trust the process, they're going to get you out there.’"
Tank Dell on how DeMeco Ryans supported him throughout his recovery and return to football.
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) October 22, 2026
Tank said DeMeco regularly called him during the offseason, reassuring him that there was no pressure to rush back:
“Take as much time as you need. When you’re ready, we’re ready. Just… pic.twitter.com/1B4zy0PjTz
The last time Dell was on the field was back in December of 2024 when the Texans were playing the Kansas City Chiefs. He caught a 30-yard touchdown, but accidentally collided with teammate Jared Wayne. It was one of the most brutal leg injuries you will ever see. He tore three out of four ligaments in his left knee - his ACL, MCL and LCL - along with dislocated his kneecap and having meniscus damage. After multiple reconstructive surgeries and a lot of rehabilitation, he will finally make his return to the field with a loaded receiving corps that includes Nico Collins, Kayshon Boutte and Marvin Harrison Jr.
"It's awesome. You talk about a guy that's been determined, that's been staying down, but also being in the building," Anderson said. "It's kind of hard sometimes when you're a guy that has been out for a long time. You come in the building and have great energy. He's continued to come in the building, have great energy, love on the guys, love on the rod receivers, keep being there and not be an energy vampire. He's been going through his process the right way. I think that's why he's been able to make the strides that he's made to be able to be back on the field right now.”
Dell will make his debut on Sunday before the bye week as the Texans take on the New York Giants. Kickoff is scheduled for Noon on Fox.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Will Anderson Jr ecstatic to have Tank Dell back after nearly 2 years
