Texans Wires Player of the Game of Week 9: WR Tank Dell

During a heartbreaking loss, someone has to stand out.

On Thursday night, it was Tank Dell, second-year receiver for the Houston Texans.

Dell set season highs in receptions (six) and receiving yards (126) as the Texans lost 21-13 to the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.

While the former third-round pick never found his way into the end zone, Dell found his rhythm again after a disappointing start to the season.

Over three hours, the former No. 2 target proved his greatest threat to CJ Stroud in the absence of Pro Bowler receiver Stefon Diggs and dream option Nico Collins.

Dell averaged 22 yards per catch. He caught three passes for 20 yards downfield, including a 50-yard reception midway through the third quarter to bring down the Texans at midfield.

Aside from Dell, Stroud had little to do in the passing game. Dalton Schultz and Robert Woods combined for 65 yards on catches. Five other people were targeted but never recorded any reception.

Dell was close to securing his third touchdown reception of the regular season, but All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner was cautioned for a pass interference call. Stroud never connected with Dell again on the drive, but Houston managed to score on a 3-yard touchdown run by Joe Mixon.

Diggs, who tore his ACL in the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts, is out this year. Collins, who was on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, was expected to be back in time for the Week 10 game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football.

Houston needs a second option and Dell showed his rookie season was more than a one-hit wonder. Last year, the Houston product totaled 47 catches for 709 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games.

After Thursday's performance, Dell has collected 30 receptions in eight games. He now has 355 yards and two touchdowns.

For Dell's impressive performance against one of the better secondaries in the NFL, he was named the Texans Wire Player of the Game in Week 9.

He joins Mixon, Diggs, Collins, kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn, defensive end Danielle Hunter and linebacker Neville Hewitt as recipients of the weekly award.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans Wire's Week 9 Player of the Game: WR Tank Dell