HOUSTON — Tank Dell, a wide receiver for the Texans, has been released from the hospital following a significant knee injury he sustained during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. After spending the night under medical care, Dell was on his way back to Houston on Sunday.
Head Coach DeMeco Ryans provided an update regarding Dell’s condition but noted that there weren’t many specifics available at the moment. “We are still in the process of assessing his situation,” Ryans stated. “He’s going through evaluations with the doctors to determine the next steps. It’s clear that this is a serious knee injury.”
Dell’s injury occurred while making an impressive 30-yard touchdown reception during the Texans’ 27-19 defeat. In the play, he caught a pass from C.J. Stroud while maneuvering across the back of the end zone but collided with teammate Jared Wayne as he landed. Dell immediately showed signs of distress, reaching for his knee, prompting Wayne to signal for the medical team to assist him. The trainers tended to Dell for several minutes while other players anxiously looked on, and he was eventually taken off the field on a stretcher.
When questioned about the possibility of Dell returning to action this season, Ryans responded, “We haven’t ruled anything out yet, as we’re still in the evaluation phase. He needs to consult with his doctors and undergo necessary assessments.” Ryans also took a moment to express gratitude towards the Chiefs’ medical personnel for their care and assistance following Dell’s injury.
“I’d like to extend our thanks to the Kansas City medical team and their staff for their exceptional support,” Ryans remarked. “They provided Tank with a room and ensured he was well looked after. Their head athletic trainer, Rick Burkholder, and his staff handled the situation remarkably well, and we appreciate the entire Kansas City organization for their cooperation.”
Ryans mentioned that he had been in touch with Dell, although he did not disclose any details from those discussions. During the game, Dell had recorded six catches for 98 yards and one touchdown before the unfortunate incident occurred with 11:40 remaining in the third quarter.
This marks the second consecutive year where Dell has sustained an injury likely to end his season early. Last year, he suffered a broken fibula in Week 13 against the Broncos as he was emerging as a key player, requiring surgery the following day. Earlier this year in April, Dell was also involved in an incident where he received a minor gunshot wound at a private gathering in Sanford, Florida, but he subsequently returned to Houston shortly after being hospitalized.
Dell, who was selected in the third round out of the University of Houston last year, has been a significant contributor to the team with 51 receptions for 667 yards and three touchdowns this season. His injury adds further challenges for the Texans, who are already coping with the absence of Stefon Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowl receiver who sustained a season-ending knee injury in Week 8.