Texans wide receiver Tank Dell may miss the entire 2025 NFL season after injuring his foot in Week 16 against the Kansas City Chiefs, ESPN's Ian Rapoport reports.
“Catastrophic injuries – torn ACL, dislocated patella, further ligament damage.” Rapoport said: during Netflix's Christmas pregame show on Wednesday. “My understanding is that not only will he be out this year; [he’s also] There is a possibility that it will come out next year. ”
Dell's injury occurred at the start of the third quarter of a Dec. 21 game against the Texans. The wide receiver dove for the catch in the end zone, colliding with teammate Jared Wayne and Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie in the process.
The 25-year-old was able to secure a catch and a touchdown, but it quickly became apparent that he was in severe discomfort.
Del was unable to stand up on his own and a medical vehicle was called to take him off the field on a stretcher.
It was an emotional scene, with quarterback CJ Stroud and other Texans teammates visibly shaken.
As the game continued, the second-year wideout was taken to the hospital, where he reportedly remained overnight while doctors assessed the damage.
The following Monday, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans revealed the extent of the injury, telling reporters that Dell would require surgery.
This is the second year in a row that the Florida native has suffered a season-ending injury.
During his 2023 rookie season, Dell fractured his fibula in early December and missed the Texans' final four games.
Before his injury this season, Dell had 51 receptions on 81 targets for 667 and three touchdowns. 2024 was a great year following a breakthrough rookie year in which he had 47 receptions, 709 yards, and seven touchdowns.
The Texans claimed wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers on Monday after Dell was placed on injured reserve.
The Texans are in first place in the AFC South with a record of 9 wins and 6 losses heading into their game against the Ravens on Christmas Day.
