Texans wide receiver Tank Dell suffers season-ending leg injury
The Houston Texans took a step closer to securing a playoff spot, but it came at a huge price.
Standout rookie wide receiver Tank Dell suffered a season-ending fractured left fibula. It occurred late in the first quarter after his leg got caught under the pile during a three-yard rushing touchdown by Texans running back Dameon Pierce.
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After the game, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud voiced his support for his teammate.
“You see your brother putting in so much work and be so helpful. One thing about Tank is he’s very unselfish, and to see him go out, the game of football is tough, man. It’s tough,” Stroud said as his voice cracked via ESPN. “It’s cold, it’s not easy. I got to be there for him … I can try to be positive about it, but it’s tough, man. I’m hurt. I can’t sugarcoat it. I love my brother to death and I’m praying for him and I’m here for him no matter what.”
Stroud had formed a strong bond with Dell this season, connecting for 47 catches for 709 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. The Houston product had become a significant part of the Texans’ offense behind his big-play ability.
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Dell notched four straight games with at least a touchdown along with a pair of 100-receiving yard performances over that stretch.
His absence places an increased workload on Nico Collins as the primary passing game target. Collins is putting together a breakout campaign already setting career highs across the board with 59 receptions, 991 receiving yards, and six touchdowns.
