Tank Dell appeared to suffer a serious knee injury in the Texan’s loss to the Chiefs, and reports confirm how devastating the injury is.
Tank Dell’s story, already marked by resilience and courage, took another painful turn this week. The Houston Texans receiver, whose determination and talent have captivated fans, suffered a devastating knee injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the season.
Dell made an excellent touchdown catch thrown by C.J. Stroud but stayed on the ground and appeared in pain. The longer he stayed down, the more serious the injury appeared. Now reports confirm the worst for Dell and the Texans.
Respect to Tank Dell for holding onto the ball while his leg is breaking
Tough.
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) December 21, 2024
Dell Gets News on Extent of Knee Injury
On Monday, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans delivered the grim news: Dell dislocated his knee, tore his ACL, and sustained additional damage requiring surgery. “He’ll be out for the year. Tough news,” Ryans said, his tone reflecting the weight of the setback.
By Tuesday, the full extent of the injury came to light. According to Texans beat reporter Aaron Wilson, Dell also tore his LCL and MCL and sustained meniscus damage. The dislocation wasn’t just of his kneecap but the entire knee—a catastrophic injury that threatens a long recovery.
For Dell, this is yet another chapter in a series of challenges. His breakout rookie season in 2023 ended prematurely after a fractured fibula in Week 13. Then, in April, Dell was an innocent bystander in a Florida mass shooting, suffering a gunshot wound to his leg. Despite the setbacks, Dell’s spirit remained unbroken. He recovered from both injuries in time to suit up for Week 1 this season, ready to prove himself once again.
Tank Dell did the near impossible & has been through more than almost any player since getting to the NFL.
3 will be back 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Dds0IOX8NI
— Jacob (@Stroud4MVP) December 24, 2024
Dell Was Building a Strong 2024
Dell’s 2024 campaign had been a testament to his perseverance. In 14 games, he recorded 51 catches for 667 yards and three touchdowns, emerging as a vital piece of Houston’s offense. But Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs brought heartbreak. On a 30-yard touchdown catch, Dell collided with teammate Jared Wayne, who inadvertently crashed into Dell’s left knee. The moment, frozen in the minds of fans, was one of triumph and tragedy—Dell holding on to the ball through searing pain, securing the score as he fell.
The scene at Arrowhead Stadium was emotional. Quarterback C.J. Stroud, who had forged a connection with Dell, was brought to tears as his teammate was stretchered off the field. Dell spent the night in a Kansas City hospital before returning to Houston.
Tank Dell’s journey now takes him off the field and into recovery—a battle against adversity that has defined his career. The timeline for his return remains uncertain, but if his story has shown anything, it’s that Tank Dell won’t back down.
