Texans wide receiver Tank Dell has been released from the hospital following a serious knee injury sustained during Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs. After an overnight stay for observation, he is now on his way back to Houston.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans offered an update on Dell’s condition on Sunday, acknowledging the gravity of the injury. “Right now, we still will be evaluating to see where he is,” Ryans stated. “He’s still meeting with doctors to see what’s next for him. But it is a significant knee injury.”
The injury occurred during a 30-yard touchdown reception, a highlight moment in the Texans’ 27-19 defeat. Dell made an impressive catch from quarterback C.J. Stroud, but collided with teammate Jared Wayne as he landed, leading to immediate concern from those on the field as he reached for his knee.
After being assessed by team trainers, Dell was transported off the field on a stretcher and taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
When asked about Dell’s potential return this season, Ryans was non-committal, emphasizing that further evaluations are necessary. “We don’t — we’re still evaluating that to see what will happen,” he said. “He still has to talk to doctors and go through all the procedures there.”
Ryans also expressed gratitude to the Kansas City medical staff for their prompt assistance. “We would really like to thank the Kansas City medical team and the doctors there and their staff for being very accommodating,” he remarked. “They did an unbelievable job in helping Tank, giving him a room, and getting him set up.”
While Ryans has been in touch with Dell, he refrained from sharing specifics about their discussions.
Before his injury, Dell had made a significant impact in the game, tallying six receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown with 11:40 remaining in the third quarter.
This marks the second consecutive season that Dell has faced a likely season-ending injury. He fractured his fibula in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos last year, just as he was starting to shine, requiring surgery the following day.
Earlier this year, the 25-year-old was also injured when he was an innocent bystander at a private event in Sanford, Florida, suffering a minor gunshot wound. He recovered quickly and returned to Houston shortly after.
Dell, selected in the third round of the draft from the University of Houston, has been a key player for the Texans, ranking second on the team with 51 receptions for 667 yards and three touchdowns this season.
His injury adds to the challenges faced by the Texans, who are already coping with the absence of Stefon Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowl receiver who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 8.
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