How Texans continue their playoff push without injured star Tank Dell

Ben Arthur

AFC South Reporter

C.J. Stroud didn’t want to sugarcoat the loss of Tank Dell. 

A third-round rookie receiver, Dell has been one of the Texans’ most dynamic players, one of the key cogs in the team’s resurgence this season. And now he’s out for the year after fracturing his left fibula run-blocking on a touchdown in the first quarter of Houston’s win over Denver on Sunday.

“I can’t come up here and lie and say, ‘Ah, we’ll be all right.’ It’s not,” said Stroud postgame, holding back emotion. “I love him to death. I told him that. [No.] 7 to [No.] 3 will be a great duo for the next couple years right when he gets back.”

In the present though, the Texans will have to continue their playoff push without him, starting Sunday against the Jets (4-8).  

In Dell, Houston is losing its No. 2 receiver. His rookie season ends with 47 receptions for 709 yards (second among NFL rookies) and a team-high seven touchdowns (tied for first among NFL rookies). He had a special rapport with Stroud, evident in their connection in scramble-drill and extended-play situations. Stroud had a 113.7 passer rating targeting Dell this season, according to Next Gen Stats. 

What the Texans will miss the most is Dell’s ability to take the top off a defense. And explosive plays are where Houston (7-5) has thrived this season. The team has 59 receptions of 20-plus yards, which leads the NFL, according to Sportradar. 

Dell has four deep touchdowns (20-plus air yards), tied for third in the league, per NGS. 

“He’s been such an inspiration for our team,” coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday. “An incredible young man. Happy the season he had as a rookie and the impact that he has as a person, as a player for our organization. But we expect to get him back before the next offseason program.”

Dell’s injury gives fellow receiver Nico Collins a chance to continue asserting himself as a No. 1 option. 

After missing 10 games his first two seasons,…

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Publish date : 2023-12-06 22:27:53

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