Texans rookie WR Tank Dell carted off after scary injury vs. Broncos

Houston Texans (7-5) rookie receiver Tank Dell was carted off the field with an apparent leg injury during the Week 13 home matchup against the Denver Broncos (6-6).

The injury occurred in the first quarter after Dell’s left leg got wrapped up under a Broncos defender making a tackle on running back Dameon Pierce. Dell has officially been ruled as out for the remainder of the game with an ankle injury. After further evaluation, it was determined that Dell suffered a fractured fibula and is headed to injured reserve, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Tank Dell with what looks like a tough leg injury. Hate to see it… pic.twitter.com/jcCobx0TrW

— Dynasty Zoltan (Mike Garai) (@DynastyZoltanFF) December 3, 2023

Dell, the second-round pick out of Houston, is in the middle of a sensational rookie season for the Texans. He entered Sunday having hauled in 49 receptions for 709 yards and seven touchdowns. Dell is second behind Puka Nacua (924) of the Los Angeles Rams (5-6) in yards by a rookie wideout.

Tank [Dell] hasn’t impressed me much – it’s still the same kid I saw at [University of Houston],” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said, via Sports Illustrated. “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.”

With Dell sidelined, rookie quarterback CJ Stroud has leaned on Nico Collins in the passing game. In the 22-17 victory, Collins hauled in a team-leading nine receptions for 191 yards and a score. Collins is just nine yards away from his first-career 1,000-yard season.