Tank Dell seemed to be on monitor for an extended restoration as he exited the Texans’ Week 16 recreation on Saturday. Additional testing confirmed the second-year receiver tore the ACL in his left knee along with dislocating his kneecap, leaving him unavailable to the Texans for the remainder of the season.
When the information of the ACL tear got here out, although, it was made clear Dell’s knee suffered different accidents as nicely. Offering specifics on that entrance, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports the 25-year-old is coping with MCL and LCL tears, together with meniscus harm. In consequence, Wilson provides Dell would require a number of surgical procedures to restore the problems.
Meaning a state of affairs just like that of Browns working again Nick Chubb shall be in retailer. Chubb went down along with his knee harm in Week 2 final 12 months and was sidelined by means of the start of the present marketing campaign. He returned in October earlier than struggling a damaged foot (which has left him out of the fold for the remainder of the 12 months). Given how late within the season Dell’s harm came about, although, his surgical procedure schedule and restoration timeline might go away him on the sidelines deep into subsequent season.
Taking that time additional, Wilson writes it’s “considered an especially unlikely state of affairs” the previous third-rounder will be capable of play at any level in 2025. If that have been to be the case, it might add significantly to his missed time early in his profession. Dell was restricted to 14 video games as a rookie after struggling a fractured fibula, an harm which ended his encouraging 12 months. Expectations have been excessive for 2024, throughout which he averaged 48 yards per recreation and scored three touchdowns. The ultimate 12 months of the Houston product’s rookie contract is 2026, which is likely to be the following time he’s out there.
The Texans didn’t add on the receiver place after Stefon Diggs suffered an ACL tear, however shedding Dell prompted motion. Houston claimed Diontae Johnson
off waivers Monday, and he may have the chance to maneuver previous his short-lived Ravens tenure in consequence. Johnson was a non-factor in Baltimore’s offense after arriving by way of commerce from Carolina, however he might tackle a notable workload in Houston down the stretch. Offering a constant complementary presence can be welcomed on a Texans offense which is notably shorthanded.
Houston’s consideration shall be on the ultimate two video games of the common season in preparation for the second straight playoff look of C.J. Stroud‘s profession. Dell’s absence shall be felt, although, and his restoration course of shall be a key storyline in the course of the offseason.
