When it rains, it pours. If not, just ask the Houston Texans. Not only did C.J. Stroud and DeMeco Ryans find out that the NFL fined many of their own, but the team also faced a tough loss against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. To make matters worse, wide receiver Tank Dell left the game on a stretcher, adding to the team’s woes.
Ryans addressed the media on Sunday to provide an update on Dell, who injured his knee after catching a touchdown pass from Stroud. The Texans head coach couldn’t reveal the extent of his injury, but it certainly doesn’t look good. “We don’t know,” said Ryans, who confirmed that Dell was flying back to Houston after spending the night in Kansas City. “We’re still evaluating that to see what will happen. He still has to talk to doctors and go through all the procedures.”
According to reports, Dell suffered a dislocated kneecap, which means he is expected to miss some time. With this unfortunate news, the Texans are now left wondering: are they considering adding a new player at the wide receiver position?
### The Texans’ in-house options to replace Dell
Dell has been Stroud’s most reliable pass catcher since they entered the NFL together in 2023. The Texans added a star weapon for Stroud in the form of Stefon Diggs in 2024, but the wideout suffered a season-ending torn ACL in October. Now, with Dell on the sidelines, it would make sense to see John Metchie III embrace a bigger role in Stroud’s offense. However, the third-year wide receiver was out against the Chiefs on Saturday due to a shoulder injury.
The other wideouts on the Texans’ active roster include Nico Collins, Robert Woods, Steven Sims, and Xavier Hutchinson. If necessary, Ryans can also look at the practice squad, where the team has Jared Wayne, Xavier Johnson, and Johnny Johnson III. The Texans have options, but will they be enough to fill the gap left by Dell?
### Outside names to help C.J. Stroud
In the event Ryans decides to explore outside options to bolster Stroud’s arsenal, the likes of Odell Beckham Jr. and Diontae Johnson could be names to watch. While Beckham was released by the Miami Dolphins, Johnson was cut by the Baltimore Ravens. Both players are looking for a fresh start to revive their careers and could provide the Texans with the boost they need.
Ryans made it clear that while it’s still too soon to tell what direction the team will take, the Texans will strive to put Stroud in a position to succeed. “A little early right now for me when it comes to that. But we’re always exploring everything we have to do to improve our team,” he stated. This determination to adapt and improve is crucial as the Texans navigate this challenging period.
### The impact of Tank Dell’s injury
Dell’s injury is a significant blow to the Texans. He has been a standout performer, consistently making plays and providing a reliable target for Stroud. The chemistry between the young quarterback and Dell has been evident, and losing that connection could hinder the offense’s performance moving forward.
The Texans’ offense has shown promise this season, but without Dell, they may struggle to maintain that momentum. Stroud will need to rely on his other receivers to step up in Dell’s absence. Will they rise to the occasion, or will the team falter under the pressure?
### Looking ahead
As the Texans prepare for their upcoming games, they must quickly adapt to the loss of Dell. The coaching staff will need to evaluate their current roster and consider all possible avenues to ensure that Stroud has the support he needs. Whether that means giving more opportunities to existing players or seeking outside talent, the Texans must act decisively.
In the NFL, injuries are a part of the game, and how teams respond to adversity often defines their season. The Texans have faced challenges before, and how they handle this situation will be crucial for their playoff aspirations.
With the playoffs on the horizon, the Texans cannot afford to dwell on their misfortunes. Instead, they must focus on regrouping and finding ways to keep their playoff hopes alive. The next few weeks will be critical for the team, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how they navigate this difficult patch.
The Texans have shown resilience in the past, and now is the time to dig deep and prove their mettle. With a talented quarterback like Stroud at the helm, the potential for success remains. The road ahead may be tough, but with determination and teamwork, the Texans can overcome this setback and continue their pursuit of greatness in the NFL.
