Texans wide receiver Tank Dell, back from concussion, ‘I’m ready to rock’

HOUSTON – Standing at his locker stall inside NRG Stadium, Texans rookie standout wide receiver Tank Dell was still smiling after practice Wednesday.

Dell is back from a concussion that sidelined him for one game against the New Orleans Saints. He landed on his head while making a catch against the Atlanta Falcons and

His symptoms quickly subsided. Now, Dell is looking forward to his first game back Sunday against the Carolina Panthers after participating fully in practice with no setbacks.

“It feels good just to go back out there with the guys,” Dell said. “After the concussion, I was out for a little minute. But I’m ready to rock now. I feel good, 100 percent.”

Dell has provided a spark for the Texans’ passing game. The speedy third-round draft pick from the University of Houston couldn’t wait to get back to playing football again.

The roughest part of the injury?

“Not being out there with my brothers,” Dell said. “I was ready to win and contribute to the team and I couldn’t.”

Dell had the usual symptoms, including a sensitivity to light.

“Just like not being able to play the game, not being able to watch TV, concussion stuff,” Dell said. “Not being able to be in the light too much. Stuff like that. Other than, I was around the facility working on my body trying to get myself right for when I do get back out there. I feel good.”

Dell has built a strong connection and friendship with Texans star rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud

“Oh super proud,” Dell said of Stroud. “Just us seeing the work he puts in on and off the field, he’s ready to go and he deserves it man. A God-fearing man, he deserves it for sure.”

Dell has caught 19 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns on 28 targets. The third-round draft pick from the University of Houston is on pace for 79 catches, 918 yards and six touchdowns.

“Getting Tank back is big for us,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Tank has, as we’ve all seen, he’s made big-time plays every game that he’s been out there. He’s been a consistent guy that we can count on when we need a big play. So, it’s exciting to have Tank back, and just thankful that he’s healthy and he’s back feeling better and ready to roll.”

A standout with the Coogs, Dell has emerged as one of the most dangerous rookie wide receivers.

“Yeah, Tank was a good player at Houston,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “He’s a good player, he showed at the Senior Bowl. I think what we’ve seen from Tank is no different than what we’ve seen here from the March process to the spring to where we are now.

“Tank has got a great attitude, cares a lot about football, cares a lot about winning. Very competitive. I’d say he’s very driven. He’s very motivated. Love having him on the team. Love his mindset, love his attitude, and he’s producing when he’s been on the field.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com