Houston Texans' Tank Dell Suffers Fractured Fibula vs. Denver Broncos; Heading to Injured Reserve
HOUSTON — Rookie wide receiver Tank Dell left the Houston Texans' Week 13 match against the Denver Broncos with a significant lower-body injury.
Dell went down during the final seconds of the first quarter, where he sustained the injury during Dameon Pierce's three-yard touchdown late in the first quarter.
The Texans carted Dell off the field after he was unable to walk.
It has now been reported by NFL Insider Ian Rapoport that Dell has suffered a broken fibula, and will head to injured reserve, likely ending his stellar rookie season.
Dell has played a prominent role in the Texans' success. After the Texans made the former University of Houston prospect a third-round pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, Dell has established himself as one of the best young wideouts in the league.
Across 10 games, Dell has recorded 709 yards on 47 catches and seven touchdowns. The relationship between Dell and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has developed into one of the top chemistries on and off the field.
"Tank [Dell] hasn’t impressed me much – it’s still the same kid I saw at [University of Houston]," coach DeMeco Ryans said. "Those plays he made at [University of Houston], it’s just the same plays he’s making here for us. He was exciting to watch as a college prospect and it’s the same – standing back and watching him on the sideline."
Dell's wounded ankle marks his second injury of the 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.
