The Houston Texans ultimately lost to the New York Giants, but it was a win to see wide receiver Tank Dell return to the field after nearly two years. He finished the game with two rushing yards, a 43-yard reception and a punt return for 14 yards.
Through most of this season, Jaylin Noel served as Houston’s punt returner. However, Dell got the opportunity to return a punt after Noel suffered a toe injury. Unfortunately for Houston, Noel will miss the remainder of the season with turf toe. So, it appears Dell may have to step up as the Texans’ punt returner for the rest of the season. Even though that is not something he has typically done in the NFL, he does have some collegiate experience returning punts.
"Very comfortable. I've been catching
punts since college,” Dell said. “I'm very comfortable back there fielding the ball, making guys miss and getting up field and try to break a touchdown. I haven't done one of those yet, so that's what I'm looking forward to."
Tank Dell returned a punt in the 4th quarter today. @ClintStoerner asked if he considered fair-catching it. pic.twitter.com/GX7d9A7rs1
— 95.7 The Fan (@957thefan) October 25, 2026
Luckily, Dell has extra time to practice at punt returner during the bye week before Houston’s next game against the winless Los Angeles Chargers. However, it will be a difficult matchup since the Chargers have only allowed an average of 8.9 yards per punt return this season. Houston has also struggled in the punt return game with an average of only nine yards per return, which is No. 20 in the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Tank Dell on serving as Texans' punt returner after Jaylin Noel's injury
