'It Hurts': Houston Texans React to Season-Ending Injury to Tank Dell

Rookie wide receiver Tank Dell will miss the rest of the 2023 season after sustaining a broken ankle during the Houston Texans' Week 13 victory over the Denver Broncos.

HOUSTON — Rookie wide receiver Tank Dell left the Houston Texans' 22-17 Week 13 victory with a broken fibula. According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, the Texans will place Dell on injured reserve, and the injury will end his stellar rookie season. 

Dell went down during the final seconds of the first quarter amid Dameon Pierce's three-yard rushing touchdown. The Texans carted Dell off the field after he was unable to walk.

"It hurts to lose Tank," coach DeMeco Ryans said. "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."

Trainers work on an injured Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell as he injured himself on a touchdown play against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Dell has played a notable role in the Texans' 7-5 record after 12 games. The former University of Houston prospect has established himself as one of the best young wideouts in the league, recording 709 yards on 47 catches and seven touchdowns. 

But despite Dell's greatness, Ryans said the loss hurts more when pondering on the person off the field. 

Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud led the team in prayer after Dell went down. The injury brought back the emotions of losing rookie center Jarrett Patterson, who sustained a season-ending ankle injury during Houston's 15-13 road loss to the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 29.

The relationship between Dell and Stroud has evolved into one of the top quarterback-wide receiver tandems in the league. In September, Dell exclusively told Texans Daily he and Stroud have developed an off-field relationship where they can hang around each other all day and have fun.

#Texans C.J. Stroud on the loss of Tank Dell. pic.twitter.com/ePV43JFhat

— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) December 3, 2023

"I don't know if anyone told y'all, but this rookie class is really close," Stroud said. "When we came in, we had a similar mindset of building this [franchise], we are building the foundation. The foundation is us. 

"It was good to see us as brothers send our prayers. I always say, 'One man can send a thousand angels.' I'm sending a thousand angels to Tank right now."

Dell's fibula fracture marks the second injury of his rookie season. During the Texans' Week 5 contest against the Atlanta Falcons, he sustained a concussion, which forced him to miss Houston's 20-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

Stroud is hoping for a quick recovery. But despite the loss, Stroud has his mind set on the dangerous duo he and Dell will continue to produce upon his return.

"Who knows, he might be back to play in the Super Bowl," Stroud said. "But I cannot sugar code it. I am hurt. I love my brother to death. And I am praying for him. Seven to three will be a great duo for the next couple of years."

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