Tank Dell Injury Update: Texans WR to likely to miss 2025 season, undergo multiple surgeries

Tank Dell's injury sidelines him until 2025.

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell will undergo surgery to address a torn ACL, dislocated kneecap, and additional ligament damage, head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed. The injury occurred during the Texans’ Week 16 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, cutting short Dell’s impressive second NFL season.

Tank Dell’s injury details

The injury took place in the third quarter as Dell made a diving 30-yard touchdown catch. During the play, teammate Jared Wayne collided with him, causing severe damage to Dell’s left knee. Despite the pain, Dell held onto the ball, bringing Houston within one point of Kansas City at 17-16 after a failed extra point.

🚨 Tank Dell – injury update 🚨

He sustained:

Dislocated Knee (not just kneecap)
Torn ACL
Additional ligaments, possibly MCL, PCL, LCL or MPFL.

Usually knee dislocations are multi-ligament.

Unclear if there is damage to the meniscus or cartilage.

Not quite WORST case… https://t.co/4U2j5Vmrgo pic.twitter.com/KeR06WM1k4
— Jesse Morse, MD (@DrJesseMorse) December 23, 2024

Ryans described the injury as significant, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are definitely with Tank at this time.” Dell was carted off the field with his leg in a brace and later hospitalized for further evaluation. ESPN’s Ian Rapoport reported that the extent of Dell’s injuries could sideline him for the remainder of this season and potentially the entirety of 2025.

Tank Dell’s performance before the injury

Dell’s 2024 season was shaping up to be a strong follow-up to his rookie year. Over 14 games, he recorded 51 receptions for 667 yards and three touchdowns, ranking second on the team in all three categories. In 2023, he had 47 receptions, 709 yards, and seven touchdowns before a fractured fibula ended his debut campaign prematurely.

Texans’ wide receiver depth after Dell’s injury

Nico Collins now stands as the Texans’ clear leader in the receiving corps, with 60 catches for 909 yards and six touchdowns in just 11 games. Other receivers available include Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson, John Metchie III, Jared Wayne, and newly signed Diontae Johnson.

This is just awful for Tank Dell

Broken Fibula last year
Got shot in the offseason
Now another brutal leg injury

Texans can’t catch a break

pic.twitter.com/JKZPFos2SJ
— Own The League (@OTLFFootball) December 21, 2024

In addition to Dell, safety Jimmie Ward is also out for the season with a mid-foot sprain requiring surgery.

Images: Imagn

Tank dell

Tank Dell Injury Update

Natasha Bose

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