Texans' Tank Dell hospitalized due to a 'serious' knee injury

 KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell was carted off the field with a knee injury described as "significant" by head coach DeMeco Ryans following a touchdown catch in the third quarter of Saturday's 27-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Dell was transported to the University of Kansas Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center located about 12 miles from Arrowhead Stadium.

According to a source, Dell dislocated his kneecap, confirming earlier reports from NFL Network. Further evaluation is needed to determine any additional damage to his knee. Ryans confirmed that Dell would remain hospitalized overnight for observation.

"All our thoughts and prayers are with Tank right now," Ryans said. "You can see the impact he has on this team."

The injury occurred when quarterback C.J. Stroud connected with Dell on a 30-yard touchdown pass early in the second half, cutting Kansas City’s lead to 17-16. During the play, wide receiver Jared Wayne inadvertently collided with Dell’s lower leg in the end zone. Dell immediately grabbed his leg and remained on the ground as teammates and medical personnel gathered around him. His leg was placed in an air cast before he was carted off the field.

Dell, a second-year player out of Houston, was a key contributor in the game, leading the team with 98 receiving yards on seven catches, including the touchdown.

"It’s heartbreaking to see him go down like that," Ryans said. "He was having a phenomenal game."

After Dell's departure, the Texans’ offense struggled, scoring only three points on their remaining drives. Late in the fourth quarter, Houston had a chance to rally but failed to convert, with Stroud being sacked on a crucial third down. The Chiefs ran out the clock after regaining possession.

Stroud, visibly emotional after the game, expressed his support for Dell.

"It’s tough seeing your brother go through that," Stroud said. "I’m torn up about it. But I have to be strong for him and the team. Tank’s my best friend, and it’s not easy to move on after something like that."

Wide receiver Nico Collins echoed the sentiment, struggling to articulate the loss of his teammate.

"That hurts. It really hurts," Collins said. "We know how much Tank means to this team. Losing a brother like that is tough. We’re all praying for him."

Dell has faced significant adversity in his career. His rookie season in 2023 was cut short due to a broken leg suffered in December, and earlier this year, he was wounded in a shooting at a private event in Florida, where he sustained minor injuries. Despite these setbacks, Dell has been a critical part of the Texans' offense, recording 667 receiving yards and three touchdowns this season.

Dell's injury wasn’t the only blow to Houston on Saturday. Guard Shaq Mason suffered a knee injury in the first quarter, and safety Jimmie Ward was carted off in the second quarter with a foot injury.

The Texans face a short turnaround as they prepare to host the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.