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The Houston Texans faced a setback in their Week 13 victory as rookie wide receiver Tank Dell suffered a season-ending injury, leaving fans and the team devastated. The young player broke his fibula during the game, leading to the decision by the Texans to place him on injured reserve, effectively ending what had been a remarkable debut season for Dell.
The unfortunate incident occurred in the closing moments of the first quarter when Dell went down on the field, coinciding with Dameon Pierce’s three-yard rushing touchdown. The severity of the injury was evident as Dell had to be carted off since he was unable to walk.
Coach DeMeco Ryans expressed the team’s sentiments, acknowledging the significant loss and emphasizing Dell’s valuable contributions. Ryans stated, “It hurts to lose Tank. He has been very valuable to our team and has provided a spark every week he is out on the field. Everybody is waiting for that moment when he shows up and makes an explosive play.”
Tank Dell had played a pivotal role in the Texans’ 7-5 record, showcasing himself as one of the league’s promising young wide receivers. His impressive stats included 709 yards on 47 catches and seven touchdowns. Despite Dell’s on-field excellence, Ryans highlighted the personal impact, making the loss more poignant. The connection between Dell and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud extended beyond the game, with Stroud leading the team in a prayer for Dell’s recovery. The injury brought back memories of losing rookie center Jarrett Patterson to a season-ending ankle injury earlier in the season.
#Texans C.J. Stroud on the loss of Tank Dell. pic.twitter.com/ePV43JFhat
— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) December 3, 2023
The camaraderie between Dell and Stroud had grown into one of the league’s notable quarterback-wide receiver tandems, emphasizing their close off-field relationship. Stroud mentioned the tight bond within the rookie class, stating, “When we came in, we had a similar mindset of building this [franchise], we are building the foundation. The foundation is us.” Expressing his concern for Dell, Stroud conveyed the support of the entire rookie class, emphasizing the unity among them.
This injury marked the second setback for Dell in his rookie season, the first being a concussion during Week 5 against the Atlanta Falcons. Stroud expressed hope for a swift recovery, emphasizing the duo’s potential impact upon Dell’s return.
Looking ahead, Stroud remained optimistic about their partnership, even suggesting the possibility of Dell returning to play in the Super Bowl. Despite the evident disappointment and hurt, Stroud concluded, “Seven to three will be a great duo for the next couple of years,” highlighting the resilience and determination to continue their success on the field.
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