The Houston Texans had a big win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday, but lost one of their up-and-coming stars this season in the process.
Rookie wide receiver Tank Dell, who has been quarterback C.J. Stroud’s favorite target in recent weeks, will be out for the rest of the year after fracturing his fibula on a goal-line play, according to ESPN. .
The injury occurred in the first quarter when the Texans were looking for a touchdown on a Dameon Pierce run. Pierce completed it from three yards out, but no one celebrated the team’s first touchdown of the game.
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Houston Texans forward Tank Dell receives treatment for an injury sustained in the first quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium in Houston on Dec. 3, 2023. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Instead, all eyes were on Dell, who was lying in pain right near the finish line. Dell was blocking the play and his foot appeared to get caught in a dog pile near the goal line as players started falling to the turf.
Del had to be helped onto the medical cart, but his reaction to putting a towel over his face and putting his hands on his head said it all. The Texans announced that he has been officially ruled out for the remaining games.
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If you’ve been watching the Texans lately, you’ve likely heard Dell’s name called quite often. He entered this game against the Broncos with at least one touchdown in each of his previous four games.
However, his season is likely coming to an end, and he will finish with 709 yards and seven touchdowns.
Houston Texans player Tank Dell is injured and placed on a cart during the first quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium in Houston on December 3, 2023. (Carmen Mandert/Getty Images)
Stroud is the clear frontrunner to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, but Dell certainly helped get him there. But all the accolades aside, the Texans are in the playoff picture, and not being able to use Dell’s incredible speed in the offense will be tough on the entire team.
Dell and Stroud have developed a close bond since they were both drafted by Houston, the latter with the second overall pick and the former with the third round.
Stroud was quite emotional after the match as he talked about Dell’s loss.
“I’m speechless,” he said, according to NFL Network. “Honestly, I don’t know what to say. I see your brother working so hard, so please help me. One thing I can say about Tank is that he is very selfish. is.
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell leaves the field with an injury during the first half of the game against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium in Houston on December 3, 2023. (Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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“It’s tough. … It’s cold to see that happen. It’s not easy. I have to be there for him.”
