KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Texans wide receiver Tank Dell was taken to the University of Kansas Medical Center where he is expected to stay overnight following a severe knee injury sustained during a 30-yard touchdown reception in the 27-19 defeat against the Chiefs on Saturday.
Dell made an impressive catch on a pass from C.J. Stroud as he crossed into the back of the end zone, but upon landing, he collided with his teammate Jared Wayne. Immediate concern arose as Dell grabbed his knee, prompting Wayne to signal for medical help. The training staff attended to Dell for several minutes while his teammates looked on with concern.
Eventually, he was placed on a stretcher and transported off the field in a medical cart before being sent to the hospital for further evaluation. “We’ll have a clearer picture on him come Monday,” expressed Texans coach DeMeco Ryans. “All our thoughts and prayers are with Tank. It’s difficult to see him go down when he was having such an outstanding game.” At the time of the injury, Dell had tallied six receptions for 98 yards and one touchdown with 11:40 left in the third quarter.
Stroud, who shares a close friendship with Dell, appeared visibly distressed and was seen in tears as he watched his friend being taken away. “It’s tough to shake off, especially since he’s my best friend. It’s hard to keep playing under those circumstances,” Stroud commented. “I tried my best to move on, and I’m grateful for the support of my teammates during that moment.”
Although the touchdown was intended to tie the game, the Texans’ hopes were dashed when Ka’imi Fairbairn missed the subsequent extra point. The Chiefs capitalized on this momentum shift, driving 80 yards for a touchdown, extending their lead to 24-16 and controlling the game from that point onward.
“It’s challenging to rebound when you see a brother get hurt like that,” Ryans said. “In such moments, the priority shifts to ensuring Tank is alright. We care deeply for each other, and it’s not merely about the game.”
This marks the second consecutive season that Dell faces a potentially season-ending injury. Last year, he fractured his fibula against the Broncos in Week 13 while experiencing a breakout performance, requiring surgery shortly after. Earlier this year, in April, he was unintentionally caught in a shooting at a private event in Sanford, Florida, resulting in a minor gunshot wound that briefly hospitalized him before he returned to Houston.
“He has an immense passion for the game, and there’s no doubt about that,” said Texans receiver Xavier Hutchinson. “He will fight back, and I believe he’ll return stronger just as he did this year. It’s only a matter of time.”
Dell was not the only Texan to exit the field on a cart that day; free safety Jimmie Ward also suffered a foot injury late in the first half. Earlier on, the Texans’ already-depleted offensive line saw starting guard Shaq Mason go down with a knee injury just four plays into the game, and backup lineman Blake Fisher also left the field due to an undisclosed injury later in the half. This occurred after starter Juice Scruggs was already ruled inactive with a foot injury.
The Chiefs also faced significant injuries amidst the cold, windy conditions of Saturday’s game, with the most notable being defensive tackle Chris Jones, who had to leave due to a calf strain. Chiefs coach Andy Reid remained tight-lipped on Jones’ availability for the upcoming game against Pittsburgh on Christmas Day. Additionally, right tackle Jawaan Taylor did not return after injuring his knee, and backup linebacker Jack Cochrane is expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering an ankle fracture while blocking during a special teams play early in the matchup.