The Houston Texans lost to a team that many believe is the league’s best offense when everything is clicking.
They lost more heading into the final two games of the regular season.
Wide receiver Tank Dell was carted off and taken to a local hospital after hauling in a 30-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud during the team’s 27-19 loss at Arrowhead Stadium Saturday afternoon.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Dell would stay overnight to be monitored for what’s being ruled a “significant” knee injury.
Dell, who suffered a season-ending leg injury last December, came down the pass but collided with fellow teammate Jared Wayne as he hit the turf. It was clear that the second-year receiver needed immediate medical attention as the scene went somber around the stadium for several minutes.
Stroud was seen visibly upset after the play. He needed to be consoled by running back Joe Mixon as Dell was loaded into the ambulance and taken to a nearby hospital.
Even after Dell was taken off the field, Stroud remained by the ambulance door and waited for his teammate to leave. Since being drafted last year, the second-year passer has considered Dell one of his best friends.
“Losing Tank, we lost one of our most explosive players, so everything around him has to pick him up,” Ryans said. “It’s difficult to defend when you have Nico [Collins] and Tank, and that changes things offensively.”
C.J. Stroud finds Tank Dell for the touchdown
📺: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/JY25PlcfsU
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 21, 2024
Dell was having his best game of the season for an offense needing a secondary threat in the passing game. He had six catches for 98 yards and the touchdown grab before leaving.
Stroud finished with 244 yards and two touchdown passes, but also had two interceptions, including one that led to an early 15-yard rushing touchdown from Patrick Mahomes.
Mahomes, who had been dealing with a high ankle sprain throughout the week, threw for 260 yards and a touchdown while running in another score.
We’re with you, Tank ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/hvcoNBeImc
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 21, 2024
Chiefs rookie receiver Xavier Worthy finished with a team-high seven catches for 65 yards and a touchdown. Running back Kareem Hunt ran for 55 yards and another score.
In his first game back from a preseason shoulder injury, receiver Marquise Brown had five catches for 45 yards.
Final from KC pic.twitter.com/ER6IgLNCB1
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 21, 2024
Dell was the most frightening injury, but not the only one suffered. Offensive lineman Shaq Mason (left knee) left on the fourth play of the game and did not return.
Safety Jimmie Ward (foot) was hurt late in the first half and needed to be carted off. His status for the remainder of the regular season remains questionable.
Houston tried to respond following Dell’s injury, but could only muster up a 33-yard field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn. The Texans have already clinched the AFC South, so their postseason goals remain intact.
Three injuries, including one to a depleted receiver room, is the last thing the Texans could afford.
It’s now the reality of the hand dealt before the holidays.
