Tank Dell Returns to Texans After Two Years
The wide receiver made his first appearance in nearly two years as Houston lost to the New York Giants.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Football
Tank Dell returned to the field for the Houston Texans after nearly two years, finishing with two rushing yards, a 43-yard reception, and a 14-yard punt return in a loss to the New York Giants. His return came as Jaylin Noel, Houston's punt returner for most of the season, was lost for the rest of the year with turf toe.
Why it matters
Noel's injury leaves the Texans searching for a punt returner, and Dell has collegiate experience at the position. Houston has averaged nine yards per return, ranking No. 20 in the NFL, so the change could affect field position.
Dell finished with a 43-yard reception and a 14-yard punt return after two rushing yards in his return game. Houston's punt return average of nine yards ranks No. 20 in the NFL, while the Chargers have allowed 8.9 yards per return this season.
The players
Tank Dell
Tank Dell is a wide receiver for the Houston Texans who was out of action for nearly two years before returning in this game.
Jaylin Noel
Jaylin Noel is a Houston Texans return specialist who served as the team's punt returner for most of the season before suffering a turf toe injury.
The details
Dell returned a punt after Noel suffered a toe injury. He will have extra time to practice punt returning during the bye week before Houston faces the winless Los Angeles Chargers.
Timeline
Dell was absent from the field for nearly two years before this game.
Noel served as Houston's punt returner through most of this season.
Dell will practice punt returning during the bye week.
Noel will miss the remainder of the season with turf toe.
Season Trajectory
Houston's nine-yard punt return average ranks No. 20 in the NFL, making special teams a weak point for a team already facing questions. The Chargers, who have allowed 8.9 yards per return, offer a matchup where Dell's performance could influence field position.
Dell's role as punt returner could shift Houston's field position and affect fantasy projections for his receiving usage. Fans tracking the Texans' special teams should watch how the team uses him after the bye week.
The takeaway
Injuries to specialists can force sudden role changes, and Dell's experience gives Houston a possible short-term answer in the return game. How he performs against the Chargers will show whether the change helps.
What happens next
Houston's next game is against the Los Angeles Chargers after the bye week.
Further reading
For more Texans coverage, see Houston Football on Wisevoter.
