C.J. Stroud's Emotional Reaction to Tank Dell's Injury Was Heartbreaking

The quarterback was understandably upset as his teammate was carted off the field.

Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud upset following WR Tank Dell's injury on Dec. 21, 2024. / Jason Hanna/Getty Images

It was an emotional scene at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday afternoon, when Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell went down with what commentators described as a severe knee injury.

Dell had just caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from quarterback C.J. Stroud, but something went wrong either as he fell to the ground or once he landed. He was hit by fellow Texans wide receiver Jared Wayne and Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie on his descent, but it is unclear if that had anything to do with the subsequent injury.

The aftermath of the moment was just as difficult to watch, as visibly upset Texans players waited for word on their teammate. Stroud in particular looked quite distraught, and understandably so; he and Dell are close friends off the field, as well. Not to mention Dell suffered a season-ending injury (fibula) last year, too.

Stroud's face says it all.

C.J. Stroud was visibly upset after Texans WR Tank Dell was down on the field with an injury pic.twitter.com/TF9z5LW5Z2

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) December 21, 2024

At one point, at least Stroud and running back Joe Mixon knelt down while medics tended to Dell on the sidelines.

C.J. Stroud and Joe Mixon praying over Tank Dell.

🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/rUvNPvyA19

— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) December 21, 2024

And as Dell was lifted in the ambulance, the quarterback stayed close by until the very end.

Stroud would not leave the ambulance. This is heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/YYc2MkujZx

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) December 21, 2024

The Texans are already without wideout veteran Stefon Diggs, who tore his ACL in October, and it seems they will be without Dell, as well. But ultimately, the heartbreaking incident is a reminder of the humanity at the center of this game, as well as the love these teammates have for one another. Prayers up for Dell.

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