'We Are Going To Be Good!' Tank Dell Has Big Hopes for Texans' Future
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans would have ended the 2023 season with two 1,000-yard receivers if not for the season-ending injury to rookie Tank Dell.
He sustained a broken fibula during the Texans' Week 13 victory over the Denver Broncos, which required season-ending surgery on Dec. 4. At the time of the injury, Dell had recorded 709 yards on 47 catches and seven touchdowns across 10 games.
Dell is back walking as his rehab process continues to trend upward. He expects to resume on-field workouts soon and has no doubts about his status for training camp in July.
But despite the disappointing end to a promising first year, Dell believes the success of his rookie season was a "test run" to showcase his talents for a promising future.
"I had a lot more to display, but God puts you through things for a reason," Dell said. "Just keep my head up because I know the years to come will be special here. We are going to be good."
Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (3) runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paycor Stadium.
Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Dell played a prominent role in the Texans' success throughout the 2023 regular season. After the Texans made the former University of Houston prospect a third-round pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, Dell established himself as one of the best young wideouts in the league.
The relationship between Dell and quarterback C.J. Stroud developed into one of the league's top quarterback-wide receiver tandems. 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.
The injury Dell sustained was heartbreaking to the team, and his production could have helped the Texans reach their goal of playing in Las Vegas on Feb. 11.
Houston's wide receiving unit averaged 307.5 yards when Dell was in the lineup in 10 of the first 11 games. After his season-ending injury, the production of the position group decreased to an average of 209.5 yards in the last seven games Dell missed — Nico Collins carried the bulk of the load amid his absence.
Dell could not give his team an extra boost on the gridiron with his talents. But instead of remaining home drowning in sorrow, Dell stayed around the team daily. His presence helped the Texans thrive during their playoff push, sharing the same support that helped him get through the initial heartbreak of his injury.
"From the very first day I got hurt, I received so many messages from my teammates," Dell said. "So many people came to the hospital to see me before and after I had surgery. The support staff here was awesome. They were with me the whole time. C.J. came and stayed with me for a little bit. It has been a good ride."
Dell's fibula fracture was 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.
The season-ending injury has motivated Dell to return to the field better in 2024. He will continue to strive for greatness, but the injury has also given Dell a new perspective on life on and off the field.
"You know the saying, 'God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers,'" Dell said. "It made me grow more and dedicate my whole life to playing football. It showed me how much I need this sport.
"This is what keeps me going. When I walk into this locker room, I always have a smile on my face — this is my blessing in life. Just to be able to put smiles on other people's faces, whether the fans, coaches or teammates."
