Tank Dell Is Back: Texans Add Another Explosive Weapon as Houston’s Offense Starts to Find Its Identity

Just when the Houston Texans’ receiving corps was starting to look crowded, DeMeco Ryans delivered the kind of news Houston fans have been waiting a long time to hear: Tank Dell is coming back.

Ryans confirmed Monday that Dell will return Sunday against the New York Giants, giving the Texans another explosive weapon as Houston tries to extend its winning streak to three games before the Week 8 bye. Dell has spent the past two weeks practicing, and Ryans said the receiver remains “quick as ever” and has created difficult matchups for Houston’s defenders during practice.

For a 2-4 Texans team that suddenly has momentum after beating Jacksonville 34-31 in London, Dell’s return could not arrive at a more interesting time.

Houston’s offense is finally beginning to open up.

Now it gets another weapon.

The first thing Houston needs to do is manage expectations. Dell does not need 10 catches and 150 yards against New York.

He needs snaps. He needs contact. He needs to run routes, make a few catches and, most importantly, walk off the field healthy.

Ryans said Monday that he is not placing huge expectations on Dell’s first game back. Instead, he wants Dell to be himself and execute the offense correctly.

That is exactly the right approach.

Houston’s offense no longer needs Dell to rescue it. That might actually be the best situation for him.

C.J. Stroud is coming off his best statistical performance of the season.

Against Jacksonville, Stroud completed 24 of 34 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns as Houston piled up 426 total yards. He also connected with 10 different receivers.

Jaylin Noel delivered the breakout performance, catching four passes for a career-high 107 yards and a touchdown. Nico Collins added 74 yards on three receptions, while Marvin Harrison Jr. contributed three catches for 34 yards in his Texans debut.

Now add Dell.

That creates a very different problem for defensive coordinators.

Collins gives Houston size and established production outside. Harrison provides another big-bodied target capable of working multiple areas of the field. Noel has demonstrated legitimate big-play ability.

Dell brings quickness. Motion him. Put him in the slot. Give him opportunities underneath. Use his speed to stretch coverage horizontally and vertically.

Houston does not need to force-feed anybody anymore. That is the exciting part.

Another development from London should not get lost behind Stroud’s 300-yard performance.

Houston ran the football effectively enough to keep Jacksonville honest.

Woody Marks carried 15 times for 56 yards, while Jawhar Jordan produced 43 yards on six attempts, including a 25-yard touchdown. Houston finished with 114 rushing yards.

Jordan’s performance was especially important because it demonstrated Houston may have another useful option in the backfield. Ryans praised Jordan on Monday for maximizing his opportunity after spending time on the practice squad.

Marks also delivered one of Sunday’s biggest plays, turning a short Stroud pass into a 19-yard gain on Houston’s final possession. That helped move the Texans into position for Ka’imi Fairbairn’s game-winning 49-yard field goal.

If Houston can maintain even a respectable rushing attack, all those receiving weapons become considerably more dangerous.

I would not rush Tank Dell into anything Sunday.

Give him 15 or 20 snaps. Move him around. Let Stroud find him when the matchup makes sense. If Dell catches three passes and walks off the field feeling good, call it a successful return.

Because Houston does not need Dell to save the offense anymore. That is what makes his comeback so exciting.

Noel just went over 100 yards. Collins remains dangerous. Harrison is learning the offense. Marks and Jordan gave Houston something on the ground. Stroud just threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns.

Now that Dell gets added to that mix. things get really interesting.