Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell was carted off the field on Saturday after suffering a severe left knee injury while making a 30-yard touchdown catch from quarterback C.J. Stroud. The incident occurred early in the second half of the Texans’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
Dell, in a remarkable display of skill, caught the pass in the back of the end zone but collided with teammate Jared Wayne as he fell to the ground. Dell remained down for an extended period while medical staff attended to him. Eventually, he was placed on a stretcher and taken off the field on a covered medical cart. It was quickly announced that Dell would not return to the game.
Stroud, visibly affected by the injury to his teammate, watched as Dell was driven off the field and towards the tunnel. The Texans quarterback received support and comfort from his teammates upon returning to the sideline.
Dell had already accumulated six receptions for 98 yards and scored a touchdown before the injury. Unfortunately, Dell was not the only player from Houston to be carted off during the game, as safety Jimmie Ward was also removed on a cart after sustaining a foot injury in the first half.
The Texans’ offensive line faced further setbacks with starting guard Shaq Mason exiting the game due to a knee injury early on, and backup lineman Blake Fisher being assisted off the field with an undisclosed injury later in the first half. Juice Scruggs, another offensive line starter, was inactive due to a foot injury.
On the Chiefs’ side, backup linebacker Jack Cochrane left the game in the first quarter with an ankle injury, while tight end Noah Gray had to be helped off the field in the second half. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy briefly left the game with an ankle injury but returned for the start of the second half.
The injuries sustained by multiple players on both teams underscored the physical toll and risks involved in professional football. The Texans and Chiefs navigated through a game filled with health concerns, demonstrating the resilience and challenges faced by players in the NFL.
