Tank Dell’s season might be over, but at least the Houston Texans know the severity of the injury.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Dell suffered a dislocated kneecap during Saturday’s 29-17 Texans loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Doctors are working to determine the damage.
Surgery is reportedly a possibility but has not happened yet.
Following the game, Texas coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters that Dell would remain behind in Kansas City after suffering a “significant” knee injury during the third quarter.
Texans teammates console a crying C.J. Stroud who was upset and praying over his close friend Tank Dell. pic.twitter.com/Hxdb0qoQs7
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) December 21, 2024
“All our thoughts and prayers are with Tank right now,” Ryans said. “You guys can see what he means to our entire team.”
During the third quarter, Dell hauled in a 30-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to bring Houston within a point. When he went down, teammate Jared Wayne collided with Dell’s lower leg just under the kneecap.
The second-year wideout immediately grabbed his leg and barely moved. Several Texans players hovered around Dell as his leg was placed in an air cast. He was then lifted into the back of the ambulance and taken to a nearby hospital.
#Texans WR Tank Dell suffered a dislocated knee cap, sources say, as doctors are working to determine the damage. Surgery is possible, but has not yet happened.
Dell’s injury is significant, as coach DeMeco Ryans said. Not clear how significant. pic.twitter.com/lSdNF7A4Dx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 21, 2024
Dell, who suffered a similar leg injury in Week 12 of last season, was having one of his better games since being drafted out of the University of Houston. He led the team in both catches (6) and receiving yards (98) while hauling in the touchdown.
“It hurts to see him go down like that,” Ryans said. “He was having a fantastic game.”
The hit affected multiple players, including C.J. Stroud, who was visibly upset and was later consoled by running back Joe Mixon as Dell was helped onto the stretcher.
“I’m just tore up, but at the same time, I got to be strong for him. For anything whether it goes left or right, up or down, I have to praise my Lord and Savior,” Stroud said. “It’s not easy, but after [the injury] I try to use it as motivation, it’s not easy to just let it go. That’s my best friend. It’s not easy to move on and just keep playing. I tried to do the best that I could.”
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 injury is the second detrimental blow to Houston’s passing game this season. The Texans lost two-time All-pro Stefon Diggs back in October to a torn ACL.
Now, Dell’s status for the playoffs doesn’t seem to be in doubt, but rather over.
“Speedy recovery for my dog,” receiver Nico Collins said. “Mentally he’s going through it, but we have to keep stepping, keep climbing for him.”
The Texans have three days to prepare before they face the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.
