Texans HC provides injury update on WR Tank Dell

Dell’s knee was hit by teammate Jared Wayne as he made a touchdown catch during the Texans’ loss to the Chiefs. The 25-year-old was taken directly to hospital and diagnosed with a dislocated kneecap. Ryans acknowledged the injury is “significant,” and surgery could be an option. On that note, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports a procedure has not yet taken place, and it remains to be seen if one will be scheduled.

Given the severity of the situation, Dell is not expected to return to the Texans’ lineup any time soon. His absence will create another notable vacancy at the receiver position, given his importance to the team’s passing game. Houston lost Stefon Diggs to a torn ACL in October, creating an increased reliance on Dell and No. 1 wideout Nico Collins over the remainder of the season. The latter is still in place atop the depth chart, but losing Dell for a lengthy stretch would leave quarterback C.J. Stroud without an important target down the stretch.

The Texans did not pursue wideout depth in advance of the trade deadline, relying on their incumbent options to compensate for Diggs’ injury. With Dell now out of the picture for an undetermined period, though, the team’s depth at that position will be tested further. Odell Beckham Jr. had his request to be let go by the Dolphins granted, and he is a free agent after passing through waivers unclaimed. Diontae Johnson‘s time with the Ravens has proven to be short-lived, meanwhile, and interest is expected to be high enough in his case that he will not reach free agency. Houston could look into one or both veterans, but it remains to be seen if that will take place.

“A little early right now for me when it comes to that,” Ryans said (via Florio) when asked whether or not the Texans are interested in making a receiver addition for the stretch run. “But we’re always exploring everything we have to do to improve our team.”

Houston has clinched the AFC South, but the team’s offense has regressed in a number of categories compared to Stroud’s impressive rookie season. Improving in time for the playoffs will be key if the Texans are to advance to at least the divisional round as they did in 2023. Their next game will come against the Ravens on Christmas Day, and it will be interesting to see if any WR-related moves will have been made by that point.