Tank Dell gave the impression to be on observe for a protracted restoration as he exited the Texans’ Week 16 sport 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 properly. 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. Because of this, Wilson provides Dell would require a number of surgical procedures to restore the problems.
Meaning a scenario much like that of Browns working again Nick Chubb will likely be in retailer. Chubb went down together with his knee harm in Week 2 final yr 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 yr). Given how late within the season Dell’s harm befell, 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 to 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 yr. Expectations have been excessive for 2024, throughout which he averaged 48 yards per sport and scored three touchdowns. The ultimate yr of the Houston product’s rookie contract is 2026, which may be the subsequent 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 consequently. Johnson was a non-factor in Baltimore’s offense after arriving through commerce from Carolina, however he might tackle a notable workload in Houston down the stretch. Offering a constant complementary presence could be welcomed on a Texans offense which is notably shorthanded.
Houston’s consideration will likely 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 will likely be felt, although, and his restoration course of will likely be a key storyline throughout the offseason.