Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans informed reporters that Wide Receiver Tank Dell suffered a dislocated knee injury, which includes a torn ACL and further damage. The Injury will take Dell out for the rest of the season and leaves a big question mark for his 2025 return.
In what can only be described as a cursed year, Tank Dell will be the 3rd primary receiving weapon to land on IR for the Texans. The WR room is already missing Stefon Diggs for the season, and previously had Nico Collins on short term IR. Dell, who leads all Texans receivers in snaps and is second only to Collins in targets, will be sorely missed as the team competes in the playoffs. Collins and TE Dalton Schultz target share should be further consolidated and we can expect the Texans to lean on Joe Mixon even more if possible.
Beyond this year, the Houston front office will have to carefully consider how best to support their young franchise quarterback heading into his 3rd season. No ancillary receivers have stepped up to fill in for injured stars this year, Stefon Diggs is on the wrong side of 30 and rehabbing his own ACL, but would otherwise be a great candidate for a 1 year extension. The 2025 rookie draft should have a few options for the Texans; Tight End Tyler Warren and receivers Luther Burden, Emeka Egbuka or Isaiah Bond could be available around the Texans 1st round pick. Diontae Johnson, while a long-shot, could be claimed off waivers this Monday or one of Marquise Brown, Chris Godwin or Keenan Allen could be acquired in free agency.
While we hope for a full recovery without complications for Dell, we should lower expectations for C.J. Stroud next season and raise Nico Collins and Joe Mixon in our pre-season rankings.
Lukasz Stec, @Lukasz_FF01
