Tag: Tank Dell 2024

Texans QB C.J. Stroud breaks down emotions returning to Arrowhead Stadium

Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud understands there’s an emotional return heading back to Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday.

C.J. Stroud understands that his emotions could run high when the Houston Texans take the field at Arrowhead Stadium.

How could they not for the second-year quarterback? The last time he was here, Houston watched as wide receiver Tank Dell was carted off with a season-ending knee injury.

Not only is Dell Stroud’s best friend, but he’s a constant force in the passing game. And barring a speedy recovery, Dell isn’t expected back until potentially 2026.

But the Texans are more than Dell. They’re more than Stroud. They’re also more than a doormat or “final practice” for Kansas City en route to a sixth consecutive AFC championship appearance.

So Stroud knows that even with Dell in his heart, a victory is the top thing on his mind. That the motivation needed for Houston to strike.

“We’ve got to go do it for him away in the same stadium he got hurt. We’ve got to find a way to not get emotional and channel that,” Stroud said Tuesday. “I think we’ll be able to do that. It will be more inspiring than anything, and we’ll try to get it done for him.”

Looking back, Dell’s injury was the turning point in Week 16’s 27-19 loss. Houston pulled within a point after the 30-yard score with 11:40 left in the third quarter. Medical assistance slowed down the game, but the severity of the play slowed down Houston’s momentum.

Ka’imi Fairbairn missed the PAT to make it 17-16. Two drives later, Chiefs rookie receiver Xavier Worthy punched in an 8-yard touchdown as Kansas City coasted.

The offense struggled the rest of the afternoon, totaling 39 yards on three drives that resulted in a pair of three-and-outs.

Dell won’t make the trip with Houston to Arrowhead, but he did stop by to see the team before Saturday’s win over the Chargers. He was on crutches while wearing a large brace around his knee on the sidelines during pregame, but it seems like he was in high spirits.

That jolted life into the locker room, according to Stroud. Three hours later, Houston was moving on after a double-digit victory.

“Tank means a lot to our team. As you see with the guys, seeing him on the sideline, seeing the T-shirts, it’s real love,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said.  “And everybody loves Tank. And I love Tank. We miss him”

With a win, the Texans would advance to their first conference championship appearance in franchise history. Even as an 8-point underdog, most fans believe beating the Chiefs is an easier path than traveling to take on the Buffalo Bills or Baltimore Ravens.

Stroud said the offense has to be on its “A-game” to secure a win. The margin of error is thin against the back-to-back Super Bowl champions.

“This team is really motivated to go out there and play some good ball against a great Kansas City team that’s been in these moments forever,” Strous said. “We know it’s going to take all of us.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN and ABC.

Texans WR Tank Dell to have first of multiple surgeries following knee injury

Tank Dell’s road recovery is underway starting Wednesday morning.

The road to recovery is underway for Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell.

Dell, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Kansas City Chiefs in late December, is expected to have the first of several surgeries Wednesday to repair torn ligaments in his knee.

The second-year pass-catcher announced the news on Tuesday via his Instagram.

The surgery is only step one to multiple steps in a long process for Dell as he looks to return to the Texans’ offseason. In Week 16’s loss at Arrowhead Stadium, Dell dislocated his knee and suffered a torn ACL, LCL, and MCL. He also and meniscus damage.

Before the injury, Dell was having one of his best games of the season against the Chiefs, totaling six catches for 98 yards and a touchdown. Sadly, the touchdown grab also marked the end of his 2024 season.

He finished the year with 51 catches for 667 yards and three touchdowns.

It’s possible he could miss the entire 2025 season given the length of recovery from multiple surgeries. It also marks the second season-ending surgery for the former third-round pick since being drafted out of the University of Houston in 2023.

Last week, Dell returned to the facility for the first time since suffering the injury. He was greeted by players and members of the staff with a warm embrace before Saturday’s playoff win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

During the pregame, Dell’s teammates all wore T-shirts with his face on it in support of him. He also had a special moment with C.J. Stroud and fellow injured receiver Stefon Diggs.

“It was good to see him back smiling, around with guys on the sideline, everybody saying what’s up to him,” Stroud said following Saturday’s game. “I think that was good for him and his spirit. Keep him in your prayers and keep uplifting him, because it’s hard time for both of them right now. I hope they were smiling a little bit as we were playing.”

The Texans return to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Chiefs this Saturday in the AFC Divisional Round at 3:30 p.m. CT. The game will be nationally televised on ABC and ESPN.

Texans WR Tank Dell’s injury might be worse than envisioned after recent update

Tank Dell is going to miss a majority of the offseason and perhaps all of the 2025 season after a recent medical update.

Tank Dell is expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season after suffering a dislocated knee in the Houston Texans‘ 27-19 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday.

That’s only the beginning of his recovery back to the field at NRG Stadium.

According to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson, Dell will likely miss the entirety of the 2025 NFL season after also suffering a torn MCL, ACL, LCL and meniscus damage after hauling in a 30-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud.

The severity of the injury will require multiple surgeries over the offseason and into next spring.

“Unfortunately, it has to be considered career-threatening, but we all hope not career-ending. Surgery is usually staged with this severe an injury,” former 17-year NFL team head doctor David Chao told Wilson. “Whatever you can repair, you repair now, the MCL and LCL. The ACL is typically a reconstruction and you delay that until later when swelling goes down and there’s more mobility.”

Dell, who last December suffered a season-ending leg injury in December, caught a pass at the back of the end zone before colliding with teammate Jared Wayne. Teammates immediately knew he needed medical assistance after he grabbed his leg.

The second-year standout was placed in an air cast and taken to a local hospital for further medical assistance. He remained back in Kansas City on Saturday night before flying home Sunday afternoon to meet with a second medical team in Houston.

Dell, who’s always been questioned for his 165-pound playing weight, was finally getting back to his Pro Bowl rookie form at Arrowhead Stadium. He totaled six catches for 98 yards and a touchdown before leaving.

Chao told KPRC2 that Dell’s injury mirrors that of Cleveland Browns All-Pro running back Nick Chubb, though the damage for Dell is more extensive given the multiple torn ligaments.

“This is a much more complicated surgery process than an isolated ACL and, as such, it’s going to be multiple surgeries and lots of follow-up,” Chao said. “As much as this is a devastating injury, Nick Chubb did return to play his next season. Let’s hope for a similar good outcome for Tank Dell.”

Dell ends his season with 51 receptions for 667 yards and three touchdowns. He posted a message on social media Sunday night with an emoji of a broken heart.

The Texans return to NRG Stadium Wednesday to take on the Baltimore Ravens as part of a Netflix Christmas double-header.

Texans WR Tank Dell out for the year with dislocated knee, torn ACL

Much like last year, Tank Dell’s season for the Houston Texans was cut short due to injury.

Tank Dell’s season is officially over.

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed Monday that the second-year receiver suffered a dislocated knee and a torn ACL that will require surgery.

Initially, it was reported that Dell suffered a dislocated kneecap. The severity of the injury was more than that after further examination.

On the Texans’ first possession of the second half of Saturday’s 27-19 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs, quarterback C.J. Stroud threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Dell to make it 17-16 game.

But as Dell began to go down, fellow Texans wideout Jared Wayne collided with Dell’s lower leg deep in the end zone. He immediately grabbed his leg and needed medical assistance.

Teammates were visibly distraught as Dell’s leg was placed in an air cast. He was lifted into the back of an ambulance and taken to a local hospital.

Dell, who had taken over the Texans’ No. 2 receiver after two-time AllPro Stefon Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8, was having one of his better games. Before leaving, he caught six passes for 98 yards and a touchdown.

“We know how much he meant to this team,” wide receiver Nico Collins said of Dell. “But losing one of your brothers, man, it hurts. Speedy recovery for my dog. Mentally, he’s going through it, but we have to keep stepping, keep climbing for him.”

Saturday marked the second season-ending lower-body injury for Dell since being drafted out of Houston in 2023. His rookie was cut short after he suffered a broken leg in Week 12’s win over the Denver Broncos.

Last April, Dell was shot at a private event in Sanford, Florida, where authorities said a teenage gunman injured 10 people after an altercation. Dell’s wound was minor, and he was released from the hospital shortly after the shooting.

Dell ends his 2024 season with 51 catches for 667 yards and three touchdowns. On Sunday, he posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, for the first time since the incident.

Houston could target a wide receiver on the open market, but it likely won’t come until after its Christmas Day matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The Texans could be getting back John Metchie for Wednesday’s game, but his status remains a mystery entering the final workout.

“We’re always exploring everything we have to do to improve our team,” Ryans said.

Kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.

C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins, Texans players reacat to Tank Dell’s heartbreaking injury

Multiple players from the Houston Texans spoke on the play that potentially ended Tank Dell’s 2024 season.

The Houston Texans might have fallen to the Kansas City Chiefs in Saturday’s 27-19 defeat, but they lost more than a game entering a quick three-day turnaround.

Second-year wide receiver Tank Dell was carted off the field with what coach DeMeco Ryans later called a “significant” knee injury after hauling in a 30-yard touchdown pass from quarterback C.J. Stroud in the third quarter.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Dell suffered a dislocated kneecap, and doctors were working to “determine the damage” caused by the injury. Ryans said Dell would remain at the University of Kansas Hospital overnight for further evaluation.

“All our thoughts and prayers are with Tank right now,” Ryans said. “You guys can see what he means to our entire team.”

Several of Dell’s teammates were distraught after watching the team’s leading receiver for the afternoon go down. Fellow receiver Nico Collins told reporters postgame that Dell is a spark needed beyond the offense.

“He’s one of my brothers man,” Collins said. “He brings that energy, brings that juice. [He] brings that energy we all need when we’re down. He’s that guy that can make you smile when everything’s not going as good.”

Running back Joe Mixon, who’s taken over as a mentor for the young crop of offensive weapons, said Dell fought throughout the offseason to get healthy for Week 1 after suffering a season-ending broken leg in Week 12 of his rookie campaign.

“My man showed up to work each and every day with the best mindset and attitude. It’s an unfortunate situation,” Mixon said. “That’s the nature of this game. You can never take it for granted. The only thing we can do for Tank is be there for him.

“You know who Tank is for us. That was a big loss for us. It is a big loss.”

Stroud took the injury the hardest. Cameras flashed over to the second-year passer looking distraught as the medical team attended to Dell following his collision with teammate Jared Wayne.

It’s easy to understand why Stroud was so upset about the play. Tears flowed as Dell’s leg was placed in an air cast and helped into the ambulance. Mixon consoled the young passer as the receiver left the field and headed to a nearby hospital.

“It’s not easy seeing your brother go down like that,” Stroud said. “I’m just tore up, but at the same time, I got to be strong for him. For anything whether it goes left or right, up or down, I have to praise my Lord and Savior. It’s not easy, but I try to use it as motivation. It’s not easy to just let it go.”

Stroud’s relationship with Dell goes beyond football. The two were drafted in 2023 and felt an instant bond throughout their breakout rookie seasons. On multiple television and podcast appearances, Stroud said that Dell is his “best friend on the team” and a “brother” away from the huddle.

“I appreciate the guys just talking to me because I was going through it,” Stroud said. “This will be another road in the bump for Tank. It sucks to say, but, at the end of the day, this is not the end for Tank. It’s just the beginning.”

Dell, who now faces a potential long recovery back for the 2025 season, was having one of his better outings, He caught six passes for 98 yards and a touchdown.

The Texans were low on receivers with John Metchie and two-time All-Pro Stefon Diggs out. Somehow, Dell managed to step into the No. 1 role when the Texans needed a spark.

“He’s a big part of this team,” fellow receiver Xavier Hutchinson said. “We’re going to miss him. You try to play for him. He would have played with his heart out. He wears his heart on the sleeve.”

Houston (9-6) returns to NRG Stadium to take on the Baltimore Ravens (10-5) on Christmas Day.

Tank Dell injury update: WR carted off after TD reception, out for remainder of game

Tank Dell will miss the remainder of Saturday’s games after suffering a heart-breaking knee injury in the third quarter at Arrowhead Stadium.

Somehow, Tank Dell made an improbable catch.

If only that’s how the story ended for the Houston Texans’ second-year receiver.

The Texans receiver hauled in a 30-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud, but it came the price of colliding with Jared Wayne, who also diving for the deep ball. Wayne crashed into Dell’s left leg and managed to hold onto the ball for six points, but within seconds, the Texans had a bigger problem than a PAT to tie the game.

Here’s everything to know about Dell’s injury.

(Editor’s note: The below video contains video of Dell’s injury following his touchdown catch. Viewer discretion is advised.)

Tank Dell injury update

Dell needed immediate medical assistance after colliding with Wayne on the touchdown reception. A cart came out to take him back for further examination, which could require more than x-rays inside the locker room.

Dell’s teammates were immediately concerned for him after the play Wayne and Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud both appeared to be in tears as the cart came out for Dell.

Stroud had to be consoled by multiple teammates, including running back Joe Mixon right after the injury. Ka’imi Fairbairn missed the point after attempt, leaving the score at 17-16.

Will Tank Dell return?

Dell will not return to Saturday’s contest. The Texans have already ruled him out with a knee injury. His leg was immobilized in a brace to keep the swelling down for further examination.

Houston likely will be without Dell for next week’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day. His status for the AFC Playoffs remains a mystery, though it doesn’t look promising.

If Dell’s injury is as bad as it looked, it could be a season-ender for the second-year tartget. That would also be a major blow to the offensive passing attack.

The Texans already lost Stefon Diggs to a season-ending knee injury. Nico Collins missed five games with a hamstring injury. Currently, John Metchie is out with a shoulder injury and the team recently released receiver Steven Sims.

Tank Dell stats

Dell, who last season suffered a season-ending leg injury in Week 12, had 569 yards and two touchdowns this season through 14 games. He was having a breakout game Saturday against the Chiefs’ defense, hauling in six catches with 98 yards and a touchdown.

Texans WR depth chart

With Dell and Metchie already out, here’s who’s left for the Texans’ offense in a very limited room at wide receiver for  the remainder of Saturday’s contest.

  • Nico Collins
  • Xavier Hutchinson
  • Robert Woods
  • Jared Wayne

(This story has been updated.)

Is Tank Dell’s breakout game for the Texans coming in Week 8?

The Houston Texans need a breakout game from Tank Dell and Sunday might be his time to shine against the Indianapolis Colts.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The Houston Texans need more from second-year receiver Tank Dell if they plan on winning more than just the AFC South division title.

DeMeco Ryans knows this.

C.J. Stroud knows this.

Dell knows it, too. All three are equally responsible for his sophomore slump entering the regular season’s halfway point.

“I believe in Tank, believe he’ll be able to make some big-time explosive plays for us,” Ryans said in preparation for Sunday’s matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. “He just has to keep going and he will do that. I have all the faith in Tank.”

After securing the most touchdowns in franchise history for a rookie, Dell has been dormant in the passing game. Initially, Nico Collins’ immense production played a factor, but the top target has been on the injured reserve for two weeks.

Stefon Diggs has taken over as the new No. 1. Dell, who last season caught 47 passes for 709 yards and seven touchdowns, hasn’t taken over his promotion at the secondary option, recording just 20 catches for 194 yards and one touchdown.

In Sunday’s loss against the Green Bay Packers, Dell didn’t record a reception. He was only targeted four times and dropped a pair of passes, including one on the opening drive that would have gone for a touchdown.

On third-and-15, Stroud tried to find Dell again, but the ball was out of bounds. Even if the former University of Houston star caught it, the Texans would have faced a fourth-and-long situation.

Stroud praised Dell for keeping a positive attitude despite his postgame frustrations. He admitted the play-calling the need to “get the rock” more early and often to Dell whenever he’s open.

“I am really proud of him how he approached today and how he approached yesterday having an off day and Monday after the game,” Stroud said Wednesday. “Just trying to get better in the weight room and just checking on him and making sure he is in high spirits and he does the same thing for me.”

Sunday could be a chance for Dell to break out. The Colts rank 27th in pass coverage, allowing 222.1 yards per game. They’ve also allowed 10 touchdowns while giving up a passer rating of 98.3.

Much like Houston being down Collins, Indianapolis will be without top cover corner JuJu Brents. Diggs, who leads the team in reception, will draw a matchup against Jaylon Jones, while Dell should mirror former 49ers defensive back Samuel Womack.

Ryans isn’t pressuring Dell to deliver, but if there was a game to step up, Sunday would be a prime moment.

“With Tank, he just has to keep going,” Ryans said.

Kickoff at Lucas Oil Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.