Texans' Tank Dell Suffered Torn ACL, Will Have Season-Ending Surgery on Knee Injury

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell's devastating knee injury in Saturday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs turned out to be as bad as everyone feared.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters on Monday that Dell suffered a dislocated knee that includes a torn ACL and other damage that requires surgery, and he will miss the remainder of the 2024 season.

Dell was in the midst of a strong game against the Chiefs when he caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and simultaneously collided with fellow wideout Jared Wayne, who crashed into his lower leg. Many Houston players, including Stroud, were emotional while Dell's leg was placed in an air cast and he was carted off the field. He recorded a team-high 98 yards on six catches with a touchdown before exiting the game, which the Texans ended up losing 27-19.

Dell ends the 2024 season with a career-high 51 catches for 667 yards and three touchdowns. The 2023 third-round pick has now suffered season-ending injuries in each of his first two years in the NFL, as his rookie season was cut short after 11 games when he suffered a fractured fibula.

The loss of Dell is yet another major blow to the already-depleted Texans receiving corps. Star wideout Stefon Diggs is also out for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL, leaving Stroud without two of his top weapons in the passing attack.

Dell's absence will likely lead to more volume for veteran receiver Robert Woods and tight end Dalton Schultz. The Texans have already clinched the AFC South, so it's crucial that they stay healthy if they hope to make a deep run in the postseason.

Houston will have a quick turnaround when it faces the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.