HOUSTON — The Houston Texans face a challenging end to the regular season for the second consecutive year as wide receiver Tank Dell is likely out due to a serious injury. Dell suffered what head coach DeMeco Ryans described as a “significant” knee injury during a 30-yard touchdown reception in last Saturday’s game against Kansas City. Although the team hasn’t officially declared him out for the remainder of the season, his hospitalization overnight following the injury raises concerns about his ability to return.
Ryans provided an update on Sunday, revealing that Dell has been discharged from the hospital and is on his way back to Houston. Evaluations are ongoing to determine the necessary steps for his recovery. This setback follows Dell’s previous injury last season when he fractured his fibula in Week 13, leading to surgery just one day later.
“It’s hard to watch players get hurt. The effort and dedication they put into the game is immense,” Ryans expressed. “We are discussing real individuals with genuine feelings and emotions going through a difficult experience. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this time.”
The Texans, who have already clinched the AFC South title, must quickly regroup as they prepare to face the Ravens on Christmas Day. Dell’s injury complicates matters for a team that has already lost four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs to a season-ending knee injury sustained in Week 8.
Dell has been a vital component of the team’s offense, ranking second with 51 receptions, accumulating 667 yards and scoring three touchdowns, just behind Nico Collins, who has 909 yards receiving and six touchdowns. Tight end Dalton Schultz has also contributed with 482 yards and two touchdowns, and running back Joe Mixon has added 291 yards with a touchdown reception. However, the absence of Dell and Diggs leaves the Texans with a limited receiving corps.
John Metchie, who has recorded merely 182 receiving yards this season, may step in for Diggs, but it is uncertain whether he will return to play after missing last Saturday’s game due to a shoulder injury. “John has a chance to come back,” Ryans noted. “He’s making progress, and we’ll see what his status is midweek.”
The Texans could also lean on veteran Robert Woods, who has just 143 receiving yards this season, or rookie Xavier Hutchinson, who has made nine catches so far. Following Dell’s injury, quarterback C.J. Stroud, who is close friends with Dell, shared that the team faces an uphill battle emotionally as they work to recover. “It’s tough seeing your brother go down like that,” he said after the game. “We have to recover and prepare for a significant match against the Ravens. It will feel like a playoff setting on Christmas Day.”
Despite the challenges, Stroud effectively distributed the ball during Saturday’s game, connecting with six different targets. Dell was the standout, recording six catches for 98 yards, while Collins managed seven receptions for 60 yards even with consistent double coverage.
Moving forward, the Texans will need to address their struggles in the red zone, as they converted only 1 of 3 opportunities against the Chiefs. This inefficiency has been a recurring theme, following another 1 of 3 conversion rate in a recent victory over Jacksonville and just 2 of 4 in a loss to the Titans. “We need to capitalize on our chances, and it boils down to players being in the right position. We must finish drives,” Ryans explained.
Linebacker Christian Harris had a notable performance with seven tackles and a sack against the Chiefs in his second game back after missing the first 13 weeks due to a calf injury. His sack marked Houston’s 46th this season, equaling a franchise record set last year. On the downside, kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn struggled, missing an extra point in Saturday’s game. Although he has excelled on long field goals, he has missed two attempts from inside 30 yards before the PAT miss.
In terms of injuries, safety Jimmie Ward hurt his foot and may miss the entire season, while guard Shaq Mason sustained a knee injury and is likely sidelined for the upcoming game.
A notable statistic is Dell’s touchdown catch on Saturday, which marked the 10th of his career, tying him with Hall of Famer Andre Johnson for the most touchdown receptions by a Texan in their first two seasons.
As they look ahead, the Texans aim to secure their first win against Baltimore since 2014, having lost five consecutive matchups, including a playoff elimination by the Ravens last season in a decisive 34-10 game.