Somehow, Tank Dell made an improbable catch.
If only that’s how the story ended for the Houston Texans’ second-year receiver.
The Texans receiver hauled in a 30-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud, but it came the price of colliding with Jared Wayne, who also diving for the deep ball. Wayne crashed into Dell’s left leg and managed to hold onto the ball for six points, but within seconds, the Texans had a bigger problem than a PAT to tie the game.
Here’s everything to know about Dell’s injury.
Texans Injury Update:
#3 WR Tank Dell is out with a knee injury.
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 21, 2024
(Editor’s note: The below video contains video of Dell’s injury following his touchdown catch. Viewer discretion is advised.)
Tank Dell injury update
Dell needed immediate medical assistance after colliding with Wayne on the touchdown reception. A cart came out to take him back for further examination, which could require more than x-rays inside the locker room.
CJ Stroud connects with Tank Dell for a 30-yard touchdown
📺: #HOUvsKC on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/yqn1VFbpVU— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2024
Dell’s teammates were immediately concerned for him after the play Wayne and Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud both appeared to be in tears as the cart came out for Dell.
Texans WR Tank Dell had his left leg immobilized in a brace. His teammates were distraught; a brutal injury and difficult to watch for all.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 21, 2024
Stroud had to be consoled by multiple teammates, including running back Joe Mixon right after the injury. Ka’imi Fairbairn missed the point after attempt, leaving the score at 17-16.
Will Tank Dell return?
Dell will not return to Saturday’s contest. The Texans have already ruled him out with a knee injury. His leg was immobilized in a brace to keep the swelling down for further examination.
Houston likely will be without Dell for next week’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day. His status for the AFC Playoffs remains a mystery, though it doesn’t look promising.
If Dell’s injury is as bad as it looked, it could be a season-ender for the second-year tartget. That would also be a major blow to the offensive passing attack.
We love you, @Tankdell4 🫶 pic.twitter.com/nmdQcokF5Z
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 21, 2024
The Texans already lost Stefon Diggs to a season-ending knee injury. Nico Collins missed five games with a hamstring injury. Currently, John Metchie is out with a shoulder injury and the team recently released receiver Steven Sims.
Tank Dell stats
Dell, who last season suffered a season-ending leg injury in Week 12, had 569 yards and two touchdowns this season through 14 games. He was having a breakout game Saturday against the Chiefs’ defense, hauling in six catches with 98 yards and a touchdown.
#Texans WR Tank Dell with a incredible catch — and what looks like another potentially serious injury. Held onto the ball with one hand and grabbed his knee with the other. Teammates emotional as the cart comes out.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 21, 2024
Texans WR depth chart
With Dell and Metchie already out, here’s who’s left for the Texans’ offense in a very limited room at wide receiver for the remainder of Saturday’s contest.
- Nico Collins
- Xavier Hutchinson
- Robert Woods
- Jared Wayne
(This story has been updated.)
