Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) breaks free on a reception for a first sown during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) reacts to a first down a completed pass against the New York Giants in the first half of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) pauses before the teams game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Johnson, left, embraces Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Dell returns from a knee injury he suffered two years ago.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Johnson, left, embraces Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Dell returns from a knee injury he suffered two years ago.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell greets fans on the sidelines before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover, left, and wide receiver Tank Dell (1) warm up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) walks off the field after a 27-21 overtime loss to the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws a pass as he is pressured by New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) stops New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) jumps as he gets off a pass over New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (3) during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) falls into the endzone after completing a touchdown pass in the first half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) passes the ball to tight end Dalton Schultz (86) in the first half of game action against New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) breaks free on a reception for a first sown during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) reacts to a first down a completed pass against the New York Giants in the first half of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19) gets a push over the goal line for a touchdown against Houston Texans in the first half of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18) passes the ball against the Houston Texans in the first half of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants defensive tackle Josh Tupou (94) reacts to a stop against New York Giants in the first half of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) pulls down a pass from New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (3) in the first half of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans linemen watch Houston Texans place kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn (15) 58-yard field goal against the New York Giants in the first half of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans place kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn (15) lines up a field goal in the first half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) pauses before the teams game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) walks off the field after a 27-21 overtime loss to the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) walks off the field after a 27-21 overtime loss to the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) walks off the field after a 27-21 overtime loss to the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh takes down running back Devin Singletary (26) after Singletary’s overtime touchdown to defeate the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Houston Texans lost the game in OT 27-21.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) is swarmed by his teammates after a touchdown in overtime to beat the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Houston Texans lost the game in OT 27-21.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) breaks away from Houston Texans defensive line in the overtime period of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Houston Texans lost the game in OT 27-21.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) and quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) share a moment after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) reacts to a first down in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans fans react to another third down by the Texans in overtime against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans defense react to sacking New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18) in the second half of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) breaks out from the line of scrimmage past Houston Texans defense in the second half of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) does a backflip after scoring a touchdown in the second half of game action against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Houston Texans lost the game in OT 27-21.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) walks off the field after a 27-21 overtime loss to the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) prays with defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) after the Texans 27-21 overtime loss to the New York Giants in an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18) celebrates the Giants’ 27-21 overtime win over the Houston Texans in an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18), cornerback Deonte Banks (2) and safety Tyler Nubin (27) celebrate the Giants’ 27-21 overtime win over the Houston Texans in an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18) and safety Tyler Nubin (27) celebrate the Giants’ 27-21 overtime win over the Houston Texans in an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) breaks into the open field through the Houston Texans defense for a 30-yard touchdown run that sealed a 27-21 overtime win in an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) breaks free through the Houston Texans defense for a 30-yard touchdown run in overtime to beat the Texans 27-21 in an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) breaks into the open field through the Houston Texans defense for a 30-yard touchdown run that sealed a 27-21 overtime win in an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) breaks into the open field through the Houston Texans defense for a 30-yard touchdown run that sealed a 27-21 overtime win in an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) runs past Houston Texans safety M.J. Stewart (29) as he breaks into the open for a 30-yard touchdown run of the game winner in overtime of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) runs past Houston Texans safety M.J. Stewart (29) as he breaks into the open for a 30-yard touchdown run of the game winner in overtime of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) runs past Houston Texans safety M.J. Stewart (29) as he breaks into the open for a 30-yard touchdown run of the game winner in overtime of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) runs past Houston Texans linebacker Azeez al-Shaair (0) as he breaks into the open for a 30-yard touchdown run of the game winner in overtime of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) runs past Houston Texans linebacker Azeez al-Shaair (0) as he breaks into the open for a 30-yard touchdown run of the game winner in overtime of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh celebrates his team’s overtime win against the Houston Texans with New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18) at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Houston Texans lost the game in OT 27-21.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh celebrates his team’s overtime win against the Houston Texans with New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18) at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Houston Texans lost the game in OT 27-21.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh celebrates his team’s overtime win against the Houston Texans with New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18) at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Houston Texans lost the game in OT 27-21.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) breaks a tackle by Houston Texans safety M.J. Stewart (29) as he runs for a touchdown in the overtime against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Houston Texans lost the game in OT 27-21.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) runs for a touchdown in the overtime against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Houston Texans lost the game in OT 27-21.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) breaks past Houston Texans defense in the overtime at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Houston Texans lost the game in OT 27-21.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) breaks past Houston Texans defense in the overtime at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Houston Texans lost the game in OT 27-21.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants wide receiver Charlie Jones (89) runs past Houston Texans cornerback Ja’marcus Ingram (20) on a punt return during the overtime period of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants safety Jason Pinnock (25) reaches out to try and knock the ball being thrown by Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) down during the overtime period of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) passes under pressure from New York Giants safety Jason Pinnock (25) during the overtime period of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan (9) and Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) celebrate a stop in the overtime against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) runs with the ball in the second half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Another holding flag for Houston Texans offense during overtime against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) breaks a tackle from New York Giants linebacker Jack Kelly (51) in the overtime period of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) breaks a tackle from New York Giants linebacker Jack Kelly (51) in the overtime period of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) breaks outside for a first down run against Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock (2) during the second half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (86) reacts to dropping a catch in the second half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover (8) runs into the end zone for a 2-point conversion against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover (8) runs into the end zone for a 2-point conversion against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover (8) runs into the end zone for a 2-point conversion against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) reacts after making a 6-yard touchdown reception against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) reacts after making a 6-yard touchdown reception against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover (8) reacts after getting the two-point conversion in the first half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) celebrates his touchdown in the first half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) celebrates his touchdown in the first half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks to pass the ball in the first half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (86) runs with the ball in the first half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (86) catches the ball in the first half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks to pass the ball in the first half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) scrambes in the first half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) signals for a first down after a 43-yard reception against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) comes down with a reception for a 43-yard gain against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) breaks free on a reception for a first sown during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) comes down with a reception for a 43-yard gain against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) runs the ball after a reception in the first half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) can’t get to a throw, but it’s recovered by wide receiver Tank Dell (1)in the first half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) can’t hold onto a pass in the first half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) can’t hold onto a pass in the first half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants safety Ar’darius Washington (24) stops Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (4) at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18) top right, forces his way into the endzone for a touchdown in the first half of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans watches the game on the sidelines in the first half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) stops New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29) during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans defensive end Dominique Robinson (94) celebrates a tackle against New York Giants in the first half of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans place kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn (15) kicks a 57-yard field goal against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans place kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn (15) leaves the field after scoring a field goal in the first half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (14) makes a catch against New York Giants safety Jason Pinnock (25) during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) reacts after sacking New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (2) breaks up a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) stops New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants wide receiver Malachi Fields (88) hauls in a reception against Houston Texans cornerback Tremon Smith (11) during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants wide receiver Malachi Fields (88) breaks of series of tackles as he gains extra yards past Houston Texans defense in the first half of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh argues a penalty call during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants wide receiver Darnell Mooney (17) makes a catch for a first down against Houston Texans linebacker Azeez al-Shaair (0) during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29) pushes off the facemark of Houston Texans safety M.J. Stewart (29) as he runs the ball around the end during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18) drops back to pass against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29) runs the ball against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29) tries to get over Houston Texans cornerback Bryce Hall (34) in the first half of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (86) makes a catch against New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden (41) during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (86) makes a catch against New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden (41) during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (86) breaks a tackle by New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden (41) in the first half of game action at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) is introduced before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) is introduced before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) takes to the field during introductions before the team takes on the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) and wide receiver Jaylin Noel (13) high five as they take the field before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Johnson, left, embraces Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Dell returns from a knee injury he suffered two years ago.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Johnson, left, embraces Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Dell returns from a knee injury he suffered two years ago.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans place kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn (15) kneels on the field as he takes photos with a group of fans before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans fans make their way to their4 seats before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell greets fans on the sidelines before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover, left, and wide receiver Tank Dell (1) warm up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans personnel checks the audio signals on helmets before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans fan Steve Beckholt cheers as he watches warmups before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans CEO Cal McNair watches warm ups before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) signals for a first down after a 43-yard reception against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) comes down with a reception for a 43-yard gain against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) runs the ball after a reception in the first half of game action against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) is introduced before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (1) is introduced before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
In a game void of many highlights for the home team, Tank Dell getting a huge reaction from the Reliant Stadium crowd when he ran out of the tunnel during pregame introductions ranked high on the list of positivity from the Houston Texans’ 27-21 overtime loss to the New York Giants on Sunday.
Even though the reaction felt like a celebratory cork finally being popped after an agonizing 673 days of waiting, Dell, who was intentionally the final player introduced to really milk the crowd response, said he was too wound up to even notice.
“They said the crowd was going crazy, but to me, to be honest, I couldn’t hear it,” said Dell, who had one catch for 43 yards, as well as a short run on an end-around and a 14-yard punt return.
Article continues below this ad
Forgive Dell for not being able to capture all of Sunday’s details. It was his first time playing in a game since Dec. 21, 2024 when he suffered a catastrophic injury on the field that resulted in multiple torn ligaments and a dislocated kneecap. He also was working on less sleep than usual.
“I woke up at 5 o’clock in the morning and didn’t go back to sleep,” Dell said. “People thought I was going to be nervous or whatever. I didn’t feel any nervousness, I felt more anxious than anything, like jittery, ready to just get out there.”
Dell wasn’t in the starting lineup, but made his first appearance on the fifth play of the game. He didn’t touch the ball until the second quarter, when he ran a 19-yard deep curl route and C.J. Stroud found him. Of course, nothing seems to come easy for Dell, who endured 22 months of rehab to get to this point, so the ball didn’t get to him cleanly. Jaylin Noel was cutting about five yards in front of Dell and leaped to get a hand on the pass. The ball still made it to Dell, who sprinted 26 yards after making the catch for a 43-yard gain.
“I’m grateful for everything, but I’m a playmaker, man,” Dell said. “I’m so used to making those plays and there’s so many more to come.”
Article continues below this ad
The play looked so unusual, some speculated the pass wasn’t even intended for Dell, but the receiver said it was a play he’s been working on with Stroud and “100%” he was the target.
Dell, whose teammates call him “Uno” for the No. 1 he wears on his jersey, catching his first pass in nearly two years off a deflection seemed more than just a coincidence to some.
“That’s special,” receiver Xavier Hutchinson said. “That’s the football gods looking out for Uno, and we’re all expecting many more for him.”
Tank Dell gets his first catch back ❤️
NYGvsHOU on FOX/FOX One
Stream on @NFLPlus https://t.co/vgbBdB8eD5
— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2026
When Dell finally got tackled on his big gain, he leapt to his feet and signaled first down. Seeing the man listed at 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds feeling no ill effects of his first hit after so much time off was a relief to the crowd that cheered him before the game. His teammates on the field had the same emotion.
Article continues below this ad
“I think when he caught the ball, everybody took a deep breath,” Texans left tackle Aireontae Ersery said. “His first game back in two years. Seeing Tank and how hard he worked to get back to where he’s at right now, just speaks volumes for the player and the man and what he’s done to get back to this point.”
His teammates might have felt some anxiety in the moment, but Dell didn’t even think about the significance of being tackled again.
“That was probably a worry of y’all’s or everybody else out there, but for me, I’ve been playing football for 20 years and I’ve never cared about getting tackled,” Dell said.
He showed that when he got the ball again on an end-around and got stopped for a two-yard gain. Even with 252-pound linebacker Abdul Carter having him wrapped up, Dell kept churning his legs, trying in vain to pick up another yard. It was a moment Dell mentioned when asked about being tackled again.
“It felt cool, actually,” he said.
Article continues below this ad
In all, Dell touched the ball just three times, but that should increase after the bye week. Noel left Sunday’s game with what coach DeMeco Ryans called “turf toe,” which is why Dell returned a punt in the fourth quarter. Those duties could fall to him if Noel is forced to miss time, as will some of Noel’s reps with the offense.
It’s why Dell scoffs at any mention of being on or off a snap count.
“I don’t know about increasing the snap count, I need to come all the way off of that,” Dell said. “I’m ready to roll.”
Stroud, who is one of Dell’s closest friends, plans to get his new weapon more involved as the season goes along.
Article continues below this ad
“I’m just really proud of him, just really excited for him,” Stroud said. “It’s a long year. He’s going to get a lot more plays. Just to see him make a big play like that in the game was really cool, just the energy of the crowd. I thought he handled it very well, prepared his butt off this week. I’ve got to find more ways to get him some touches.”