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News

Tank Dell to play Week 7 vs. Giants

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans says wide receiver Tank Dell will be activated from injured reserve for Sunday's game against the Giants.

By Cole Hartwell

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters that wide receiver Tank Dell will be activated from injured reserve before the team faces the Giants in Week 7, via Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston. Dell hasn’t appeared in a game since December 2024, when he dislocated his knee and tore multiple ligaments.

What happened

Ryans said he simply wants Dell to be himself, without huge expectations, and that he’s excited to see him play for the first time in over two years. The coach added that Tank is an explosive player, still quick as ever, and that he expects him to really stress defenders. The Texans put Dell on the injured reserve-designated for return list during roster cutdowns, which meant he would miss at least the first four games. He returned to practice almost two weeks ago and is now ready to be added back to the 53-man roster.

Context

When Dell was last on the field, he was building a notable connection with C.J. Stroud. The former third-round pick performed well in his first two seasons, with 55 receiving yards per game and 10 total touchdowns. He also returned 18 punts over two seasons. In the Texans’ depth chart, Nico Collins is the top receiver, while Dell is listed sixth.

Timeline

On October 9, it was reported that Dell was out for Week 5 against the Titans and that he had been limited in practice again Thursday. Coach DeMeco Ryans said the team expected to open a 21-day practice window that week. On October 15, General Manager Nick Caserio said on 95.7 The Fan that, barring a setback, Dell should return this week or next week. On October 19, Ryans announced that Dell would play Sunday against the Giants.

Depth chart

The Texans’ receiver group looks different than when Dell was last active. Collins still leads the group, and Xavier Hutchinson is a bottom-of-the-depth-chart piece. Jaylin Noel was added in the third round of the 2025 draft, and the team acquired both Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kayshon Boutte via trade over the last month-plus.

What’s next

Dell will play in Week 7 at home against the Giants.

🏈 Fantasy impact

Dell is returning from a long absence, and while his upside is clear, managers should temper expectations for Week 7. He hasn’t played since 2024 and will likely be eased in behind Nico Collins, who remains the top target. Xavier Hutchinson, Jaylin Noel, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Kayshon Boutte have all been seeing snaps, so Dell’s role could be limited initially. He’s worth stashing in deeper leagues, but starting him this week is risky unless you’re desperate. Monitor his practice participation and any comments from the coaching staff about his workload.

Quick answers

Will Tank Dell play in Week 7?

Yes, Dell will play Sunday against the Giants, according to Texans coach DeMeco Ryans.

Sources

  1. Houston Texans depth chart, WR (Sleeper)
  2. Tank Dell injury update: Will play Sunday in Week 7 vs. Giants (knee) (Fantasy Football Desk)
  3. Tank Dell injury update: Full practice, could return Week 6 vs. Jaguars (Fantasy Football Desk)
  4. Tank Dell injury update: Out Week 5 vs. Titans (knee) (Fantasy Football Desk)
  5. Texans WR Tank Dell To Play In Week 7 (Pro Football Rumors)

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