Tank Dell 'Is My Best Friend': C.J. Stroud Reacts Emotionally to Houston Texans Injury Loss

Tank Dell 'Is My Best Friend': C.J. Stroud Reacts Emotionally to Houston Texans Injury Loss

The season-ending injury loss of Tank Dell is very much about what the Houston Texans will now lack on offense as they continue to make their NFL playoff push. 

But the rookie wide receiver having suffered a season-ending broken fibula in last week's win over Denver is also about the emotions of the loss.

“It's hard to really speak about it still,” Stroud said this week on the Pat McAfee Show. “Right now, my prayers are still out with Tank. ... Tank Dell is probably my best friend on the team ...''

Stroud was emotional in the immediate aftermath of the game and the injury, and those feelings, naturally, still linger.

Part of that is due to the special bond between Stroud, the first-round rookie, and Dell, the third-round newcomer. The diminutive Dell, from the University of Houston, ends his first NFL season with 47 receptions for 709 yards and seven touchdowns. ... and likely some All-Rookie Team attention.

And now, starting Sunday against the Jets, the 7-5 Texans must move on without him.

Receiver Nico Collins is by the numbers Houston's top pass-catcher, with 991 yards and back-to-back 100 yard games, including 191 and a TD versus the Broncos.

"Tank Dell is probably my best friend on the team and we hang out all the time..

I've been in constant communication with him and just trying to help him out" @CJ7STROUD #PMSLive #WeAreTexans pic.twitter.com/6UWkyOY9Ht

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 5, 2023

But replacing Dell won't be just about numbers. It will also be about emotion.

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"We'll be a great duo for the (future),'' Stroud said after the game. "I love him to death and I'm here for him.''