Texans’ Tank Dell Faces Long Recovery After Devastating Knee Injury

HOUSTON – Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell faces a grueling recovery after suffering a severe knee injury during a Week 16 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The injury, which occurred in December 2024, included a dislocated knee, torn ACL, MCL, LCL, and meniscus damage. Dell underwent his first surgery nearly a month after the injury and is expected to miss the entire 2025 NFL season.

The second-year receiver, who has already endured multiple setbacks in his young career, was injured in a collision with a teammate in the end zone. This marks the second consecutive season Dell’s year has ended prematurely due to injury. In 2023, he suffered a fractured fibula during a goal-line pileup.

Dell’s absence leaves the Texans thin at receiver as they prepare for their divisional-round playoff game against the Chiefs. The team is already without Stefon Diggs, who suffered a season-ending ACL tear earlier in the year. Houston recently released veteran receiver Adam Johnson after a brief stint, further depleting their receiving corps.

Despite the challenges, Dell’s teammates have rallied around him. Before their wild-card victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, the Texans wore tribute shirts designed by Bruce Thompson, a close friend of Dell and founder of Dreamathon, a company specializing in custom apparel for athletes. The shirts, which featured Dell’s name and number, became a viral moment as players showed their support for the injured receiver.

“Tank means a lot to our team,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “As you see with the guys, seeing him on the sideline, seeing the T-shirts, it’s real love. We miss him, and we’re wishing him a speedy recovery.”

Dell’s NFL journey has been anything but smooth. In addition to his on-field injuries, he was an innocent bystander in a shooting in Florida in April 2024, which left him with a flesh wound. Despite these setbacks, Dell has shown promise in his 25 career games, recording 98 receptions, 1,376 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns.

Bruce Thompson, who has designed shirts for numerous NFL stars, including Justin Jefferson and Odell Beckham Jr., said the tribute to Dell was personal. “Me and Tank are close,” Thompson told KPRC 2. “I’ve been knowing him since college. It made me proud I was able to create a moment for one of my brothers.”

As Dell begins his long road to recovery, the Texans will rely on their remaining receivers to step up in his absence. The team’s playoff hopes hinge on their ability to overcome the loss of one of their most dynamic playmakers.