Tank Dell is a tough guy.
The second-year pass-catcher made a big difference in Friday night's win at Pittsburgh.
The Texans topped the Steelers, 20-12, at Acrisure Stadium and Dell got them into the end zone early and off to a lead they would never relinquish.
In early December, a leg injury in the win over Denver cut short what had been a productive rookie campaign. Then in the offseason he was injured in a shooting. But Dell overcame both, suited up with quarterback C.J. Stroud and several other Houston starters, and caught a 34-yard touchdown pass in the Texans victory.
"It's good to see him back out there," Stroud said. "I'm very happy for him. It's just amazing to see all the stuff he's been through to persevere through that and make a big-time play. That's who he is."
Dell set up Houston's first touchdown drive by returning a Pittsburgh punt 22 yards. Three plays later, Stroud found him in stride on the left side of the field, and Dell broke a few tackles to cross the goal line and score.
"Tank is tough," Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans said. "Pound-for-pound, one of the toughest guys on our team. Seeing his run after catch and the ability to make guys miss, and the toughness just to get through the end zone. That's who Tank is."
He only touched the ball twice, but that punt return and scoring reception went for a combined 56 yards. It's impressive for any NFL player, but even more so considering the obstacles Dell overcame the last eight months.
"He's resilient," Stroud said. "You see the work that he puts in, day in and day out. I think every time he touches the field, you see it and it's put on display. I think it's just a start for him."
Dell and the Texans return from Pittsburgh and will have Saturday off. They'll practice on Sunday evening at the Houston Methodist Training Center.
