The Houston Texans lost more than a matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday afternoon.
One of their star players could miss more than just the rest of the 2024 season.
Second-year wide receiver Tank Dell suffered a dislocated kneecap during Saturday’s 29-17 Texans loss at Arrowhead Stadium. Doctors are working to determine the damage but Houston has provided an update since he was carted off in the third quarter.
Here’s the latest on Dell’s status.
(Editor’s note: The below post contains video of Dell’s injury following his touchdown catch. Viewer discretion is advised.)
Tank Dell injury update
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed that Dell was currently flying home to Houston after spending the night in Kansas City at a local hospital. He also said that Dell would remain under evaluation and continue to meet with doctors.
“It is a significant knee injury, and our thoughts and prayers are definitely with Tank at this time.”
When asked for a timetable, Ryans wouldn’t say if Dell is out for the season but took the time to thank the doctors and medical staff in Kansas City for being so accommodating.
“I really thought those guys did a really unbelievable job. [Chiefs Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance] Rick Burkholder and his staff, they did an unbelievable job,” Ryans said. “Very thankful for Kansas City’s entire organization and their medical team.”
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, who suffered a similar season-ending injury last season against the Denver Broncos, collided with teammate Jared Wayne after hauling in a 30-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud during the third quarter.
It was clear by his teammate’s reaction that Dell needed immediate medical attention. An air cast was placed around his leg as Dell was quickly ruled out after to being taken to the hospital for further testing carted.
Stroud, who’s openly talked about the bond between him and Dell, was perhaps the most emotional Texans’ player on the field. Cameras flashed to him being visibly upset while being consoled by running back Joe Mixon.
“The emotion that you see from C.J. and from our entire team, it goes back to something we talked about at training camp of building a tight bond, building a deeper relationship as a team and growing tighter as a team,” Ryans said. “And I think that’s what showed now.
DeMeco Ryans with an update on Tank Dell 🙏 pic.twitter.com/tWdefGNFY8
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) December 22, 2024
“To see one of your best friends distraught, in pain on the field like that, those emotions will come up when you truly, genuinely care about your brother, you care about your teammate.”
Will Tank Dell miss the remainder of the year?
Barring a second option from the medical staff, Dell is expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season. He could be out longer if surgery is required.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, that’s still a possibilty. Dell might have returned to Houston, but a medical team will determine what happens next to help with his recovery process.
Tank Dell stats
Dell was en route to perhaps his best game of the regular season before the injury, hauling in 6-of-7 targets for 98 yards and a touchdown.
After a slow start, he’ll potentially finish his second season with 51 catches for 667 yards and three touchdowns.
Texans WR depth chart
Houston’s already without two-time All-Pro Stefon Diggs for the remainder of the year. The former Bills star suffered a torn ACL in Week mid-October on a non-contact play and recently underwent surgery.
Here’s a look at the team’s depth chart of options right now entering a short week of practice:
- Nico Collins
- John Metchie III
- Robert Woods
- Xavier Hutchinson
- Jared Wayne
Metchie, who did not play in Sunday’s matchup, returned to practice on Sunday and should be cleared to play on Wednesday.
“He’s progressing, so we’ll see where he ends up on Wednesday,” Ryans said. “It’s funny saying Wednesday.”
People are gonna have a problem with it, but CJ Stroud caring that much about Tank Dell is what I want out of a QB.
True leader.
pic.twitter.com/M6q7BEk6Xe— Extend Triston Casas (@AvgBelloFan) December 21, 2024
When asked if the Texans could target a wide receiver on the market, Ryans didn’t turn down the idea but also noted with a short week they likely wouldn’t factor into the game plan with a short week.
“We’re always exploring everything we have to do to improve our team,” Ryans said.
