Tank Dell injury update: Texans WR taken to local hospital after 'serious knee injury'

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell was taken to a local hospital following his serious knee injury against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Dell made an impressive catch from QB CJ Stroud while trailing 17-10 early in the third quarter. He collided with fellow wide receiver Jared Wayne in the end zone.

He was eventually ruled out and is now off to the hospital for further evaluation.

Tank Dell is being taken to a local hospital. pic.twitter.com/ekTqZkJbA6

— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) December 21, 2024

“Just an update on Tank Dell, who suffered a significant knee injury earlier in this half when he was being put on the gurney,” sideline reporter Kathryn Tappen said. “They stabilized his entire left leg in a vacuum splint, which is used when there is concern with severe instability or fracture. The splint is used to stabilize from the hip to the foot. He was taken in an ambulance to University of Kansas Hospital, a Level I trauma center, which is located 12 miles from Arrowhead.”

Coming into the game, Dell had 45 catches for 569 yards, two touchdowns and 12.6 yards per carry. Dell finished his rookie season with 47 catches for 709 yards, seven touchdowns and 15.9 yards per catch in 2023.

Stroud was caught on the NBC cameras being visibly upset in what was described as a “serious knee injury” by play-by-play man Noah Eagle. Dell was shortly thereafter ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Coming into Saturday, Dell was a focal point of the offense for Houston (9-5), who looked for an upset of the Chiefs (13-1).

Stroud’s emotions were evident in the aftermath of the injury. Dell and Stroud are close teammates and the wide receiver was very complimentary of the second year signal caller back in the summer.

“He just brings a special type of swag,” Dell said on the I Am Athlete podcast. “You can see it in him. I, for sure, feel like C.J. got the opportunity to be the best quarterback in the league. Not me just saying that because of who he is to me, but just like what I’m seeing him do each and every week.

“What the world sees, they’re seeing exactly what we’re seeing. How he is just coming out there as a 21-year-old man going against grown men, and he’s out here just balling every week. It’s like how consistent he is. I feel like C.J. gotta keep doing what he’s doing to bridge the gap between him and Mahomes. Not going to lie, Mahomes is special…it’s for sure going to be a lot of work, but I feel like if he just keeps doing what he’s doing, he’s on the right path.”