The Houston Texans have announced that wide receiver Tank Dell will be sidelined for the rest of the season due to a serious knee injury suffered during a recent game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Head coach DeMeco Ryans disclosed on Monday that Dell dislocated his knee and tore his ACL, necessitating season-ending surgery for the second consecutive year. Last season, Dell fractured his fibula in the 13th week of the season against the Denver Broncos and underwent surgery the very next day.
Ryans elaborated on Dell’s condition, stating, “He dislocated the knee, he tore the ACL, and there are other repairs needed, so he’ll be out for the year.” Although a specific date for the surgery has yet to be determined, Ryans indicated that it would take place soon. In a subsequent move, the Texans placed Dell on injured reserve and claimed receiver Diontae Johnson from the Baltimore Ravens. This marks Johnson’s third team this year following a tumultuous stint with the Ravens, who had obtained him in a trade with the Carolina Panthers. His time in Baltimore was marred by a suspension and ultimately led to his release after he declined to enter a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Dell’s injury occurred while he was making an impressive 30-yard touchdown reception during Houston’s 27-19 defeat on Saturday. As he caught a pass from C.J. Stroud and fell to the ground, he collided with teammate Jared Wayne, immediately clutching his knee. Team trainers rushed to assist him, and the situation looked serious as Dell was carried off the field on a stretcher and later taken to the hospital. He spent the night there before returning to Houston the following day.
Stroud, who shares a particularly close bond with Dell, expressed his emotional distress during the aftermath of the injury. He spent considerable time in tears while waiting for Dell to receive medical attention. “It was just not easy for me to sit there and be emotional,” Stroud admitted. He acknowledged that while societal norms often discourage showing emotion, it is crucial to recognize the human side of the sport. “It’s good for young men and women out there, kids who are brought up — I was taught this too as a kid, that showing emotion is a sign of weakness. But there’s life, and I think it was important to show there’s still a human factor to me,” he said.
Stroud believes that their regular Bible study sessions will help Dell navigate this challenging period. He remains optimistic about Dell’s future, stating, “This isn’t the end for him; it’s just another bump in the road. There’s always light in the tunnel.” This injury adds to the complications for the Texans, who already lost four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs to a season-ending injury back in Week 8.
Dell, a third-round draft choice from the University of Houston, has made notable contributions to his team, ranking second with 51 receptions for 667 yards and three touchdowns. His current setback is yet another challenge for a team enduring its share of adversity this season.
