The Houston Texans’ wide receiver room took yet another blow as Tank Dell injured his knee in the third quarter of the Week 16 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Let’s examine the Texans’ wide receiver depth chart and how they can replace Dell’s production after his devastating injury.
Houston Texans’ WR Depth Chart
Nico Collins is the last stud wide receiver standing for the Texans. After Stefon Diggs tore his ACL earlier in the season, Dell suffered his gruesome injury in Week 16.
In the midst of an impressive sophomore season, it’s unfortunate that Dell didn’t get to see this year through. Unfortunately, on his third-quarter touchdown catch against the Chiefs, he suffered a dislocated kneecap, damaged meniscus, and a torn ACL, MCL, and LCL. Due to the timing and severity of the injury, Dell is expected to miss the remainder of the season and the 2025 campaign.
Dell had 51 catches, 667 yards, and three touchdowns to his name this year. Dell ranked second on the team in all of those stats behind only Collins.
Collins is clearly the top wideout in Houston, having amassed 60 receptions for 909 yards and six touchdowns in just 11 games this season. While the Texans are happy to have Collins back, the team would’ve loved to have their entire receiving corps for the postseason.
After Dell’s injury, the Texans’ healthy wide receivers are Collins, Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson, John Metchie III, Jared Wayne, and the recently signed Diontae Johnson.
Will Diontae Johnson Fill Dell’s Role?
The Texans acted quickly to bring a veteran to try and fill the void that Dell leaves for the playoff run. Johnson was claimed off of waivers on Monday after he was cut by the Baltimore Ravens.
Johnson had success with the Steelers from 2019 to 2023, but his season in 2024 has left much to be desired.
The Texans are Johnson’s third team this season. He started the year with the Carolina Panthers, and he totaled 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns through seven games.
Prior to the trade deadline, Johnson was dealt to the Ravens. However, his stint in Baltimore was incredibly underwhelming, as he played just 40 snaps and caught one pass for six yards.
On Dec. 4, Johnson refused to enter the Ravens’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles, so he was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team and subsequently released. Johnson was frustrated with his lack of playing time with Baltimore.
With both Dell and Diggs out for the season, Johnson will have a much bigger role to play in Houston.
While he struggled in Baltimore, Johnson averaged his second-highest yards per catch with Carolina this year. However, his receptions per game were among the lowest of his career. While he was very underutilized with the Ravens, he will have surprisingly fresh legs for this time of year and a significant role in Houston.