Tag: Texans football

Texans learn unsettling severity of WR Tank Dell’s injury

Tank Dell’s season is more than likely over for the Houston Texans following the recent news of his knee injury.

Tank Dell’s season might be over, but at least the Houston Texans know the severity of the injury.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Dell suffered a dislocated kneecap during Saturday’s 29-17 Texans loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Doctors are working to determine the damage.

Surgery is reportedly a possibility but has not happened yet.

Following the game, Texas coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters that Dell would remain behind in Kansas City after suffering a “significant” knee injury during the third quarter.

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

During the third quarter, Dell hauled in a 30-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to bring Houston within a point. When he went down, teammate Jared Wayne collided with Dell’s lower leg just under the kneecap.

The second-year wideout immediately grabbed his leg and barely moved. Several Texans players hovered around Dell as his leg was placed in an air cast. He was then lifted into the back of the ambulance and taken to a nearby hospital.

Dell, who suffered a similar leg injury in Week 12 of last season, was having one of his better games since being drafted out of the University of Houston. He led the team in both catches (6) and receiving yards (98) while hauling in the touchdown.

“It hurts to see him go down like that,” Ryans said. “He was having a fantastic game.”

The hit affected multiple players, including C.J. Stroud, who was visibly upset and was later consoled by running back Joe Mixon as Dell was helped onto the stretcher.

“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,” Stroud said. “It’s not easy, but after [the injury] I try to use it as motivation, it’s not easy to just let it go. That’s my best friend. It’s not easy to move on and just keep playing. I tried to do the best that I could.”

Dell’s injury is the second detrimental blow to Houston’s passing game this season. The Texans lost two-time All-pro Stefon Diggs back in October to a torn ACL.

Now, Dell’s status for the playoffs doesn’t seem to be in doubt, but rather over.

“Speedy recovery for my dog,” receiver Nico Collins said. “Mentally he’s going through it, but we have to keep stepping, keep climbing for him.”

The Texans have three days to prepare before they face the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.

Analysis: Texans lose more than a game against Chiefs in Week 16

The Houston Texans lost more than a football game on Saturday afternoon against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Houston Texans lost to a team that many believe is the league’s best offense when everything is clicking.

They lost more heading into the final two games of the regular season.

Wide receiver Tank Dell was carted off and taken to a local hospital after hauling in a 30-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud during the team’s 27-19 loss at Arrowhead Stadium Saturday afternoon.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Dell would stay overnight to be monitored for what’s being ruled a “significant” knee injury.

Dell, who suffered a season-ending leg injury last December, came down the pass but collided with fellow teammate Jared Wayne as he hit the turf. It was clear that the second-year receiver needed immediate medical attention as the scene went somber around the stadium for several minutes.

Stroud was seen visibly upset after the play. He needed to be consoled by running back Joe Mixon as Dell was loaded into the ambulance and taken to a nearby hospital.

Even after Dell was taken off the field, Stroud remained by the ambulance door and waited for his teammate to leave. Since being drafted last year, the second-year passer has considered Dell one of his best friends.

“Losing Tank, we lost one of our most explosive players, so everything around him has to pick him up,” Ryans said. “It’s difficult to defend when you have Nico [Collins] and Tank, and that changes things offensively.”

Dell was having his best game of the season for an offense needing a secondary threat in the passing game. He had six catches for 98 yards and the touchdown grab before leaving.

Stroud finished with 244 yards and two touchdown passes, but also had two interceptions, including one that led to an early 15-yard rushing touchdown from Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes, who had been dealing with a high ankle sprain throughout the week, threw for 260 yards and a touchdown while running in another score.

Chiefs rookie receiver Xavier Worthy finished with a team-high seven catches for 65 yards and a touchdown. Running back Kareem Hunt ran for 55 yards and another score.

In his first game back from a preseason shoulder injury, receiver Marquise Brown had five catches for 45 yards.

Dell was the most frightening injury, but not the only one suffered. Offensive lineman Shaq Mason (left knee) left on the fourth play of the game and did not return.

Safety Jimmie Ward (foot) was hurt late in the first half and needed to be carted off. His status for the remainder of the regular season remains questionable.

Houston tried to respond following Dell’s injury, but could only muster up a 33-yard field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn. The Texans have already clinched the AFC South, so their postseason goals remain intact.

Three injuries, including one to a depleted receiver room, is the last thing the Texans could afford.

It’s now the reality of the hand dealt before the holidays.

Texans WR Tank Dell taken to local hospital following gut-wrenching hit vs. Chiefs

Tank Dell’s season is likely over following the latest update.

(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccurate headline.)

The Houston Texans knew they’d be without receiver Tank Dell for the rest of their Week 16 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

It’s looking like he’ll be out for much longer.

According to the NBC broadcast, Dell is being taken to a University of Kansas Medical Center, just outside of Arrowhead Stadium, meaning there’s a seriousness to the injury.

Dell likely will not travel back with the Texans this evening following a 27-19 loss at Arrowhead. He also will likely miss the remainder of the regular season.

Dell was immediately ruled out of Saturday’s contest after sustaining a serious knee injury while making an improbable 30-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter. He absorbed a heavy hit on the catch while colliding with Texans receiver Jared Wayne as he fell to the ground.

While he made the catch, it was clear more problems ensued. Dell immediately grabbed his knee in pain. He stayed on the grass for several minutes and was eventually carted off the field.

Multiple Texans players were visibly distraught after the play. Wayne was seen crying after the play as the medical team attended to the fallen Texan.

Cameras caught Stroud crying after seeing the play unfold. He lay on his knees just inches away from Dell as trainers tended to him. Running back Joe Mixon took a knee next to Stroud and patted his quarterback on the back while trying to help him regain his composure.

Dell, who suffered a season-ending leg injury in Week 12 last season against the Denver Broncos, was having one of his better games, totaling six catches for 98 yards and a touchdown. He was well on his way to a second 100-yard outing before leaving in the third quarter.

Houston’s dealt with its share of injuries at the receiver position this year. Two-time All-Pro Stefon Diggs suffered a season-ending torn ACL against the Colts in October.

Nico Collins missed five weeks due to a hamstring issue. It appears Dell will miss that much time moving forward, too.

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.)

Jimmie Ward injury update: Texans DB carted off with foot injury

Jimmie Ward is out for the remainder of the second half of Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The hits keep coming for the Houston Texans.

Down multiple starters, do-it-all defensive back Jimmie Ward left during the second quarter of Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs and is not expected to return.

The Texans trail 17-10 heading into halftime.

Here’s everything to know about Ward’s status moving forward.

Jimmie Ward injury update

Ward suffered a foot injury when trying to make a tackle on Chiefs tight end Travis Kecle. After writhing in pain on the field, a cart came out to take him back to the locker room for x-rays and further examination.

The Texans have ruled the starting defensive back questionable for the second half with a foot injury. Myles Bryant filled in for the veteran defender as the new starting nickel defender.

Will Jimmie Ward return?

Right now, it seems unlikely. Players often aren’t carted off a field only to make a miraculous return in the second half. Ward also has been playing in place of Jalen Pitre, who suffered a season-ending chest injury against the Tennessee Titans and will undergo surgery later this month.

Texans DB depth chart

The current plan is for Kamari Lassiter to take over inside the nickel, thus allowing former No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah to take over at the boundary cornerback position.

Here’s the current depth chart for the Texans cornerback room:

  • Derek Stingley Jr.
  • Kamari Lassiter
  • Kris Boyd
  • Jeff Oukdah

WATCH: Texans QB C.J. Stroud takes lead over Chiefs with TD pass

The Houston Texans have a 10-7 lead over the Kansas City Chiefs thanks to a touchdown pass to Dalton Schultz.

C.J. Stroud might have an interception on his stat line, but he just made up for it to take the lead at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Houston Texans second-year quarterback found tight end Dalton Schultz for a 10-yard touchdown pass on first-and-goal to make it a 10-7 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. It marked the second touchdown reception in three games.

Here’s a video of the play, courtesy of the team’s official Twitter/X page:

Stroud made some really good throws over the last two drives, including a pair of first-down conversions to Tank Dell. For the most part, he’s been protected without offensive guard Shaq Mason.

The Texans can secure a 10-win season on Saturday with a victory over the AFC favorites.

Shaq Mason injury update: Texans OL leaves on opening drive

Shaw Mason is currently dealing with an ankle injury suffered during Saturday’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Houston Texans could be without a key piece to the offensive line for the remainder of Saturday’s contest.

Offensive lineman Shaq Mason left during the opening drive of the Texans’ matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s yet to return as the first quarter comes to an end.

Here’s everything to know about Mason’s injury:

Shaq Mason injury update

Mason. who’s started every game at right guard since joining the Texans in 2023, rolled over on his back, grabbing at his leg after a run by Joe Mixon. He was able to leave the field off his own pressure but came limping to the sideline.

Backup Kendrick Green is coming in for him.

The Texans have listed him as questionable with a knee injury.

Will Shaq Mason return?

Right now, the Texans are listing Mason as a question mark. He could be back with time in the second quarter, but if he misses another series, it’ll be hard to imagine him seeing action on a short week.

The Texans play in four days against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day at NRG Stadium. Houston must win two of its last three games if it plans to secure the No. 3 in the AFC playoffs.

OL depth chart

Nick Broeker is already out for Saturday’s game with a hand injury. Starting left guard Jucie Scruggs is also out with a foot injury suffered in Week 13.

Here’s the current depth behind Mason at right guard.

  • Kendrick Green
  • Kenyon Green
  • Zach Thomas

Texans sign former starting TE to active roster ahead of Chiefs game

Houston Texans tight end Irv Smith Jr. is getting a promotion before Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Houston Texans are calling up Irv Smith Jr. for the remainder of the 2024 season.

The Texans elected to sign the veteran tight end to the active roster following two standout games as a member of the practice squad, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The tight end has become a position of need with Cade Stover’s recent medical concern. Last week, Stover had to undergo emergency appendectomy surgery the night before the Miami game and has yet to recover.

Smith, who’s served as a quality blocker in his place, now should take over as the long-term answer until Stover is healthy. It’s expected the rookie will miss the next two games, but could be cleared to return before the team’s season finale against the Tennessee Titans.

For his career, Smith has 109 career receptions in the NFL for 973 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Last season with the Cincinnati Bengals, he caught 18 passes for 115 yards and one touchdown last season in 12 games.

A second-round pick out of the University of Alabama, Smith’s best season came during his rookie campaign with the Minnesota Vikings. He caught a career-high 36 passes for 311 yards. The following season, he finished with a career-best 365 yards and five touchdowns in 2020 for Minnesota.

Kickoff from Arrowhead is scheduled for noon CT. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.

Patrick Mahomes injury update: Will Chiefs QB start vs. Texans?

Here’s the latest injury update on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes for Sunday’s matchup against the Houston Texans.

The Houston Texans could face off against two quarterbacks at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday when they take on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Patrick Mahomes suffered a mild high-ankle sprain during Sunday’s road win over the Cleveland Browns. While the injury looked serious at the time, it doesn’t appear that it is going to keep the two-time MVP off the field for long.

The three-time Super Bowl champion was a full participant at practice all three days, including Thursday’s walkthrough period. Barring a setback, it’s expected that he will at least start Saturday’s game against the defending AFC South champions.

Here’s what to know about Mahomes’ status for Week 16.

Patrick Mahomes injury update

Chiefs coach Andy Reid provided an encouraging update about his Mahomes before the team’s final practice of the short week on Thursday.

“He’ll most likely end up playing,” Reid said. “We’ll just see how things work out today.”

Kansas City also removed from the injury report on Thursday following drills.

Reid admitted that at the time of the prognosis, he wasn’t sure that Mahomes would suit up with a short week ahead. He also said it wasn’t a surprise that Mahomes was on the verge of pulling off the quick recovery that usually keeps players sidelined for multiple weeks.

“I’ve been through it with him before and he amazes me every time he does it,” Reid said of Mahomes’ injury recovery. “He’s so mentally tough. It’s a mindset he has going into it. Where he was a few days ago, I’d probably say it was a longshot. He’s done well with it.”

Kansas City can’t clinch the No. 1 seed with a win on Saturday, but it could push itself further ahead of Buffalo with a victory. Should the Chiefs defeat the Texans, they would need a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers to control the AFC path.

Reid, who mentioned earlier in the week that the team had faith in Carson Wentz to start if need be, said Mahomes looked healthy in practice, making him confident that the quarterback could play in Week 16.

“He moved around pretty good,” Reid said. “You’re always looking to make sure they can get out of the way, not to further any harm to them.”

High-ankle sprain recovery timeline

Recovery time differs per injury. A Mild sprain typically heals within 2-4 weeks. Moderate to severe sprains take 6-12 weeks to heal, per Dr. Scott Dixon of Integrative PT.

If Mahomes stays in the game, this would mark the second time he’s played on an injured ankle. He first suffered the injury in the team’s divisional-round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023; he returned to the game after halftime with his ankle heavily taped.

He aggravated that injury in the Super Bowl but played through it to deliver Kansas City its second Lombardi Trophy.

Patrick Mahomes stats

In 14 games, Mahomes has completed 66.7% of his passes for 3,348 yards and 22 touchdown passes against 11 interceptions. He’s also rushed for 262 yards and a touchdown.

Chiefs vs. Texans injury report: Latest updates, news for Thursday

Here’s the injury report from Thursday’s practice as the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Kansas City Chiefs

Here are the full injury reports from Thursday’s final practice ahead of the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs matchup at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 16.

Houston Texans (9-5)

OUT

  • OL Juice Scruggs (foot)
  • WR John Metchie III (shoulder)
  • DL Foley Fatukasi (ankle)
  • TE Cade Stover (illness)

QUESTIONABLE

  • LB Christian Harris (ankle)

PROABLE

  • RB Joe Mixon (ankle)
  • QB Davis Mills (illness)
  • LB Del’Shawn Phillips (foot)
  • OL Kenyon Green (shoulder
  • OL Nick Broker (hand)

Kansas City Chiefs (13-1)

OUT

  • OT D.J. Humphries (hamstring)
  • DB Chamarri Conner (concussion)

QUESTIONABLE

PROBABLE

  • WR Hollywood Brown (shoulder)
  • OL Creed Humphrey (ankle)
  • K Harrison Bader (knee)
  • QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle)
  • OT Jawaan Taylor (knee)