Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell dislocated his kneecap during Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, a league source confirmed. Surgery is a possibility and doctors are still working to determine the extent of the damage, the source said.
NFL Network first reported the details of the injury.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters Sunday that Dell is returning to Houston after spending Saturday night in a Kansas City area hospital.
The play, which occurred at the 11:40 mark of the third quarter, happened when Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud threw a 30-yard touchdown strike to Dell.
On a deep throw intended for Dell, Houston wide receiver Jared Wayne was in the vicinity of the play attempting to make a catch and collided with Dell’s knee. Medical personnel carted Dell off the field after tending to him during an almost 10-minute delay. Many Houston players, including Stroud and Wayne, were in shock after the play, and some were in tears.
We love you, @Tankdell4 🫶 pic.twitter.com/nmdQcokF5Z
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 21, 2024
Houston kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn missed the extra point to tie the game, and the Texans trailed 17-16 at the beginning of the third quarter. Kansas City went on to win 27-19.
NBC’s Kathryn Tappen reported during the fourth quarter that Dell’s leg was immobilized from the hip down and he was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.
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