Football can be a gruesome sport due to its physicality. While the NFL has prioritized player safety in recent years, the very nature of the sport demands a certain level of physical toll. Unfortunately, that toll far too often takes the shape of life-altering injuries.
The Houston Texans’ wide receiver room has been ravaged by injuries this season, with Stefon Diggs already out for the year and Nico Collins sidelined earlier in the year as well. Now, Tank Dell suffered a devastating injury that may end his season.
Fans Show Support for Tank Dell After Horrific Injury
The Texans were in a tight battle against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 16 in the first-ever battle between QBs Patrick Mahomes and C.J. Stroud. While the Chiefs got out to a 17-10 lead, the Texans built a steady drive to cash in six of their own.
However, those points came at a season-altering cost. Dell was having an incredible game, as Stroud found him on multiple 3rd downs. Then, with a chance to tie the game, Stroud went to Dell with a bomb and succeeded.
#Texans WR Tank Dell with a incredible catch — and what looks like another potentially serious injury. Held onto the ball with one hand and grabbed his knee with the other. Teammates emotional as the cart comes out.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 21, 2024
While Dell caught the touchdown pass, he came down hard, landing in a heap alongside Trent McDuffie and teammate Jared Wayne. While he was able to hold onto the ball, his other arm was clutching his knee equally tight. Immediately, it became apparent that something was wrong.
Eventually, the cart had to be brought out as Dell could not walk on his own. Last year, a broken fibula caused Dell to miss the rest of the season. With this latest devasting injury, it looks like a similar fate might follow.
The situation understandably shook fans and players alike. The entire Houston team was overcome with emotion, taking a knee around their fallen hero as he was carted off. Stroud, in particular, was the most affected, as tears streamed down his face, and he had to be consoled by head coach DeMeco Ryan.
NBC is not showing certain camera angles because of the severity of the injury. CJ Stroud breaking down and being comforted by DeMeco Ryans as Tank Dell is taken away. Just a brutal scene. https://t.co/WWPZ660TVJ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 21, 2024
Immediately, thoughts and prayers came pouring in from players, analysts, and fans who all rallied around Dell. Some were heartbroken over the cruel turn of events for the young WR in his first two seasons.
“The dude has had some terrible luck. Heartbreaking,” one fan said.
This dude has had some terrible luck. Heartbreaking.
— Steelers Network (@SteelersNetwork) December 21, 2024
A common sentiment of “Prayers up” rang around social media as fans came together in harmony for Dell.
Yikes. Prayers up 🙏
— WestTexasMarine (@WestTexasMarine) December 21, 2024
It seemed clear to everyone that the season is likely over for Dell, which as one fan most aptly put it, “wow that sucks”.
yea he's done for the season wow that sucks
— radikul (@radikulFN) December 21, 2024
As he was being taken off the field, the entirety of Chiefs Kingdom rose together to cheer him on, a beautiful sight to see beyond the lines of the professional rivalry.
Classy Chiefs fans cheering in the backround after it happened. Per usual.
— lana (@cantbelana) December 21, 2024
The Dell injury is going to be a heavy blow to sustain for a Texans offense that has been suspect all season long. It remains to be seen how much of a burden Nico Collins can handle on his own, as they try to make a deep playoff run.
It’s worth noting that Stroud’s career numbers take a dip when Dell isn’t on the field:
- Yards Per Attempt with Dell: 8.0
- Yards Per Attempt without Dell: 7.1 (down 11.3%)
- Air Yards Per Non-Pressured Pass with Dell: 8.6
- Air Yards Per Non-Pressured Pass without Dell: 6.5 (down 24.4%)
- Deep Passer Rating with Dell: 109.4
- Deep Passer Rating without Dell: 91.9 (down 11.4%)
This season, the resilient Dell has caught 45 passes for 569 yards and two touchdowns. He also has carried the ball nine times for 43 yards.