Tank Dell’s ghastly knee injury could keep him out for Texans’ entire 2025 season

Texans wide receiver Tank Dell could miss the entirety of the 2025 NFL season with the leg injuries he sustained in Week 16 against the Kansas City Chiefs, ESPN’s Ian Rapoport reports.

“Devastating injury — torn ACL, dislocated knee cap, more ligament damage,” Rapoport said during Netflix’s Christmas pregame show Wednesday. “My understanding is, not only is he out this year, [he’s also] out potentially next year as well.”

Dell’s injury occurred at the beginning of the third quarter of the Texans’ game on Dec. 21. The wide receiver leapt to make a catch in the end zone and, in the process, collided with teammate Jared Wayne and Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie. 

The 25-year-old was able to secure the catch and touchdown, but it quickly became evident that he was in serious discomfort.

Dell was unable to stand up under his own power and a medical vehicle was called out to stretcher him off the field.

It was an emotional scene, with quarterback C.J. Stroud and other Texans’ teammates visibly shaken.

As the game continued on, the second-year wideout was ushered to the hospital, where reportedly remained overnight as doctors assessed the damages. 

The following Monday, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans revealed the extent of the injuries and told reporters that Dell would need surgery.

It’s the second consecutive year in which the Florida native has suffered a season-ending injury. 

During his rookie campaign in 2023, Dell fractured his fibula in early December and missed the Texans’ final four contests.

Prior to this season’s injury, Dell had amassed 51 receptions on 81 targets for 667 and three touchdowns. 2024 had been an impressive follow-up to his breakthrough rookie year, during which he collected 47 receptions for 709 yards and seven touchdowns.

In the wake of Dell’s designation to the injured reserve, on Monday, the Texans claimed wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers.

The Texans are 9-6 and occupy first place in the AFC South entering their Christmas Day game against the Ravens.