Texans WR Tank Dell leaves game on cart with season-ending leg injury after being pinned beneath pile of players

As the echoes of a dismal 3-13-1 season fade into the past, the Houston Texans have engineered a remarkable resurgence, amassing seven victories in their current campaign. Guided by the adept quarterbacking skills of C.J. Stroud and complemented by the football acumen of rookie receiver Tank Dell, the Texans have emerged as a formidable force in the league. 

Nevertheless, the jubilant atmosphere took a sudden, ominous turn in Week 13, casting a shadow over their triumph as the team grapples with the distressing news of a gruesome injury befalling their promising rookie receiver.

Watch: Tank Dell’s leg pinned beneath pile of players

During the first quarter of Houston’s hard-fought 22-17 victory over the Denver Broncos, the Texans faced a bittersweet turn of events that overshadowed the triumph.

Tank Dell, the promising rookie who had emerged as a preferred target for quarterback C.J. Stroud, found himself entangled in a pile of defenders during a crucial play. As running back Dameon Pierce surged into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown, Dell’s body contorted in the process, with his left leg pinned under the weight of the players.

The clock showed 3:53 left in the first quarter when the incident occurred, and as the Texans celebrated Pierce’s touchdown, Dell remained on the ground in obvious pain.

His left leg was trapped beneath the pile, leaving a somber atmosphere among his teammates.  Reflecting on the situation, Stroud’s voice cracked as he spoke about Dell’s unselfish nature and the challenges football presents.

“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.

Tank Dell quickly transitioned into a hero after the Texans selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, representing the University of Houston as a hometown rookie. His injury dealt a significant blow to the Texans as they witnessed Tank Dell’s stellar contributions as a valuable asset for C.J. Stroud, who is expected to break a pile of stellar records in his rookie season.

Tank Dell suffers season-ending leg injury

The Texans initially listed Dell as questionable with an ankle injury after a concerning incident that required him to be assisted onto a medical cart. Dell’s emotional reaction, covering his face with a towel and placing both hands on his head, conveyed the gravity of the situation. Bleacher Report reported that the Texans subsequently ruled him out for the remainder of the game, and now, reportedly, the rookie receiver is also declared out of the season.

It marked a premature end to his debut NFL campaign after just 10 games. Despite the shortened season, Dell made a significant impact, accumulating 47 catches for 709 yards and contributing seven touchdowns. 

His yardage total ranked second on the team, trailing only Nico Collins, while he led the Texans in touchdowns from scrimmage.

The absence of Tank Dell will be keenly felt in Houston, particularly given the prior loss of tight end Dalton Schultz. Dalton is sidelined with a hamstring injury, and his absence has already created a void in the Texans’ receiving options. Now, with both Dell and Schultz unavailable, the onus to anchor the receiving corps falls on Nico Collins.

The Texans are now expected to undergo an uphill battle regarding their offensive lineup in their upcoming contests.