Yahoo Sports Tank Dell injury update: Texans' WR undergoes first surgery after severe knee injury
The Houston Texans are heading back to Kansas City for a playoff clash with the Chiefs, but they'll be doing it without a favorite target for C.J. Stroud.
Tank Dell's season came to an end during their last meeting on Dec. 21, also in Kansas City, as the receiver suffered a severe knee injury. It's been slow process for Dell: The receiver finally underwent surgery nearly a month after the injury, leaving a long way to go in recovery. He provided an update this week ahead of the Texans' divisional round game.
NEED HELP MAKING PICKS? Today's NFL picks: Unlock exclusive data-driven predictions
Already without Stefon Diggs, after he season was ended thanks to a torn ACL, Houston might have a problem this weekend with their thin receiving depth against a step up in competition.
Here's the latest on Dell and his recovery.
Tank Dell injury update
Dell underwent his first of several surgeries on Wednesday, nearly a month after he suffered the significant knee injury against the Chiefs in Week 16.
#Texans wide receiver Tank Dell first of several surgeries ahead of him was a successful procedure, per league source. Very long road ahead, but full recovery, return to play expected eventually for young player with such a strong work ethic and desire for the game @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/wrzxgL2sZD
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 16, 2025
The receiver dislocated his knee and damaged his meniscus in addition to suffering a torn ACL, MCL and LCL after a collision in the end zone with teammate, Jared Wayne.
He faces a long road back, one that is expected to keep him out through the 2025 season given the extent of the injuries and multiple surgeries required to repair the damage.
The second-year player hasn't lived a charmed NFL life to this point, with both seasons coming to an end earlier than anticipated. Ironically, both instances came as a result of friendly fire. In 2023, Dell's season was ended with a fractured fibula after being caught in a pile around the goal line.
Dell, an innocent bystander, was then the victim of a shooting in Florida during April 2024, which left him with a flesh wound.
Texans WR depth chart
Without Diggs and Dell, Houston remains thin at receiver for their division-round matchup against the Chiefs in Kansas City. The team added the well-traveled Diontae Johnson after the Ravens released him, but Houston ultimately decided to move on after the wild-card round. Here's a look at their remaining receivers after cutting Johnson:
Tank Dell stats
Dell's production took a step back in 2024, like most of the Texans' offense. The receiver was still impactful, but to a lesser degree after the arrival of Diggs.
In 25 career games played, he has recorded 98 receptions, 1,376 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tank Dell injury update: Texans' WR undergoes first surgery