Tank Dell Suffers Friendly Fire Injury That Leaves Houston Texans Teammates Distraught

Tank Dell caught perhaps the most costly touchdown of his career Saturday afternoon.

The Houston Texans receiver scored on a 30-yard catch from quarterback C.J. Stroud. But what Dell sacrificed to make the play may cost him the remainder of the season based on multiple camera angles and the reaction of teammates to the injury.

Friendly Fire Injury For Tank Dell

Dell caught the pass and almost simultaneously took a hit to the left knee from teammate Jared Wayne. The knee bent in an unnatural way. 

It was so ugly, NBC declined to show the replay.

But there was no denying this is a serious injury by what happened next. 

After the game, Houston coach DeMeco Ryans said Dell had been transported to a local hospital with a severe knee injury. It is feared he dislocated his kneecap.

Texans Players Emotional After Dell Injury

Teammates, who witnessed the injury, gathered around Dell and began to pray.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud, who threw the touchdown pass and has forged a strong relationship with Dell because they came into the NFL in the same draft class, was visibly distraught and had to be comforted by teammates.

The medical staff in Kansas City soon immobilized Dell's injured leg. He was placed on a stretcher and removed from the field on a covered cart.

It was all heartbreaking.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 03: Tank Dell #3 of the Houston Texans is carted off the field after being injured in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Dell Injured Second Year In Row

This is the second consecutive season Dell suffers what seems like a catastrophic injury.

Dell suffered a fractured fibula in December of 2023 that limited him to 11 games for the year.

The Texan's soon ruled Dell out for the remainder of the game. 

And there is a fear Dell may have suffered at least an MCL tear and possibly an ACL injury to his left knee, as well, per OutKick medical expert Dr. David Chao.

"Fingers crossed," Dr. Chao said on X, "but likely to miss signficant time. Costly TD with friendly fire injury."