Texans vs. Chiefs: Tank Dell’s Injury Overshadows Houston’s Heartbreaking Week 16 Loss
One play won’t define a season, but it may shape how the Houston Texans' offense moves forward in 2024.
Tank Dell Suffers Devastating Injury
Wide receiver Tank Dell was carted off the field with a dislocated kneecap after catching a 30-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud in the third quarter of the Texans' clash with the Kansas City Chiefs. The injury occurred just as Dell was providing a spark to Houston’s offense, which had been battling to keep pace with a rejuvenated Chiefs team led by Patrick Mahomes.
Dell was transported to the University of Kansas Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center, for immediate evaluation. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed that Dell would remain hospitalized overnight.
“All our thoughts and prayers are with Tank right now,” Ryans said postgame. “You can see what he means to this team.”
Dell’s six catches for 98 yards and a touchdown had made him the Texans’ most dynamic offensive weapon of the day. His absence left Houston scrambling to adjust, and the team only managed three additional points before ultimately falling 27-19.
Key Moments and Turning Points
It Was Over When…
Dell’s injury marked a significant shift in the game. Already shorthanded at wide receiver—with Cade Stover and John Metchie III unavailable and Stefon Diggs out for the season—the Texans struggled to stretch the field vertically after Dell’s departure. Despite valiant efforts from Dalton Schultz and Nico Collins, the Chiefs’ defense tightened coverage and stymied Houston’s comeback attempts.
Top Performers
Texans
- Top Passer: C.J. Stroud – 23/39, 244 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
- Top Rusher: Joe Mixon – 14 carries, 57 yards
- Top Receiver: Tank Dell – 6 catches, 98 yards, 1 TD
- Top Tackler: Eric Murray – 10 tackles
- Defensive Standout: Christian Harris – 1 sack, 1 TFL
Chiefs
- Top Passer: Patrick Mahomes – 28/41, 260 yards, 1 TD
- Top Rusher: Kareem Hunt – 11 carries, 55 yards
- Top Receiver: Xavier Worthy – 7 catches, 65 yards
- Top Tackler: Drue Tranquill – 7 tackles, 1 PBU
- Defensive Standout: Joshua Williams – 1 sack
Texans’ Standout Players
- WR Tank Dell: Despite suffering a dislocated kneecap, Dell managed to score a touchdown, a testament to his toughness and determination.
- TE Dalton Schultz: Schultz contributed a crucial touchdown and three first-down catches, showcasing his reliability in high-pressure moments.
- LB Christian Harris: In just his second game back, Harris recorded a sack and a tackle for loss, bolstering Houston’s defensive efforts.
Injury Report
Texans:
- Tank Dell: Dislocated kneecap; expected to miss the remainder of the season.
- Jimmie Ward: Carted off before halftime with a foot injury; did not return.
- Shaq Mason: Left in the first quarter with a knee injury; underwent an MRI and did not return.
Chiefs:
- Jack Cochrane: Fractured ankle on special teams; out for the season.
- Jawaan Taylor: Left with a knee injury in the third quarter; status pending evaluation.
- Chris Jones: Sustained a minor calf strain in the fourth quarter; expected to recover quickly.
Looking Ahead
The Texans’ playoff hopes took a severe hit with this loss, but the focus now shifts to finishing the season strong and evaluating areas for improvement in 2024. With Dell sidelined, Houston’s offensive strategy will need significant adjustments, and developing depth at key positions will be a priority in the offseason.
Despite the heartbreak, the Texans demonstrated grit and flashes of brilliance, signaling that brighter days could be ahead for the franchise.
