The Houston Texans are set to have wide receiver Tank Dell back in their lineup for the Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Dell missed the previous game against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a chest injury, which kept him from practicing all week. According to FOX Sports’ Will Kunkel, he is now expected to return, giving the Texans a much-needed boost as they head into a challenging game.
Dell’s injury occurred during the fourth quarter of the Texans’ Week 3 game, and it was initially described by head coach DeMeco Ryans as a day-to-day situation. His absence has been felt, as Dell has had a slow start to the 2024 season, recording just nine receptions for 99 yards across the first few games. His performance has been somewhat underwhelming, highlighted by a disappointing outing in Week 2, where he managed only one reception for a negative-three yards.
The addition of Stefon Diggs to the Texans’ roster has further complicated Dell’s situation. Alongside Diggs, wide receiver Nico Collins has emerged as a key playmaker for the Texans, posting impressive numbers with 30 receptions for 489 yards and two touchdowns, including seven catches of 20 or more yards. Diggs has also been productive, with 25 catches for 233 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his versatility by scoring on a rushing attempt last week, a first in his NFL career.
As the Texans navigate their offensive strategies, it’s crucial to find a way to integrate Tank Dell back into the game plan effectively. Despite his struggles, Dell possesses the talent to contribute significantly. The modern NFL, with its evolving offensive schemes, often presents challenges for teams trying to distribute targets among multiple receivers. Dell’s ability to stretch the field from the slot position is an asset that should not be overlooked, especially as the Texans look to diversify their attack.
In addition to Dell, the Texans have other offensive weapons at their disposal, including tight end Dalton Schultz and third-down running back Dare Ogunbowale, who has shown explosiveness with the ball. The anticipated return of running back Joe Mixon to the starting lineup will further enhance the Texans’ options and provide quarterback C.J. Stroud with a variety of targets to utilize.
Nico Collins’ exceptional performance has undoubtedly garnered attention and maximized his opportunities, but head coach DeMeco Ryans emphasized the importance of Dell and the work he has put in. Ryans remarked on Collins’ improvements, noting that his hard work during the week has translated into game success. He praised Collins as one of the hardest workers on the team, underscoring the significant effort he puts into practice and how it manifests on game day.
As the Texans prepare to host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, October 6, at 1:00 p.m. EST, they will be looking to improve their overall performance and turn the season around. Having Tank Dell back in the mix should provide an additional spark to their offense, which will be critical against a formidable Bills team. The Texans will need to leverage all their offensive assets effectively, including Dell, to find success as they continue their pursuit of a winning season.
