Tank Dell Voices Disappointment Missing Texans vs. Chiefs Playoff Game amid Injury
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Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell opened up Saturday about the difficulty of watching his team’s Divisional Round matchup with the Kansas Chiefs from afar.
Dell will miss the 2024 postseason after suffering a severe knee injury in a Week 16 loss to the Chiefs.
Flash1x⚡️ @Tankdell4
I can’t lie like ion be in my feelings especially when I see the guys out there stepping❤️🩹
C.J. Stroud and the Texans are playing in Kansas City with a trip to the AFC Championship Game on the line.
Dell suffered injuries including a torn ACL and a dislocated kneecap when catching a touchdown pass from Stroud on Dec. 21, coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters after the loss to the Chiefs.
KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson later reported that Dell also suffered MCL and LCL tears alongside meniscus damage and that the likelihood he would play in 2025 is considered “an extremely unlikely scenario.”
Earlier this week, Dell shared a photo of himself in a hospital bed. Per Wilson, the procedure was the “first of several surgeries” Dell will undergo on the injured knee.
Aaron Wilson @AaronWilson_NFL
#Texans wide receiver Tank Dell first of several surgeries ahead of him was a successful procedure, per league source. Very long road ahead, but full recovery, return to play expected eventually for young player with such a strong work ethic and desire for the game @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/wrzxgL2sZD
The injury marks the second time in two NFL seasons that Dell has had to work his way back from a season-ending injury.
Dell fractured his fibula in Week 13 of his rookie 2023 season. He underwent surgery on the injury, which sidelined him for five regular-season games and two playoff contests.
The wide receiver then suffered a “minor wound” in his leg during a shooting at a private event in April, according to the Texans (h/t ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime.)
Dell attended OTAs three weeks after the shooting. He was back for Week 1 and served as one of Stroud’s top targets before his latest injury.
In Dell’s absence, Stroud will lean on Nico Collins as the Texans fight to oust the reigning Super Bowl champions.
