Week 13 featured an interesting game between the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans, two AFC teams looking to stay in the playoff race.
The Texans led 13-3 at halftime and looked like they were in for an easy win before the Broncos fought back in the second half to make it a game.
However, C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins were able to connect on a handful of plays to keep Houston in front and hand them the victory.
While the win was hard-earned, the Texans suffered a major loss as they saw Tank Dell leave the game in the first quarter after his leg got rolled up on.
Dell was carted off the field and it was apparent that the injury was serious.
Initially ruled an ankle injury, Dell reportedly fractured his fibula and will be going on injured reserve via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
#Texans WR Tank Dell, whose breakout performance this season has sparked his team’s offense, suffered a fractured fibula, source said. He’s headed for IR, as Houston loses one of its stars. pic.twitter.com/vATNSwRbAi
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 3, 2023
It’s devastating news for Dell and Houston as the rookie receiver was starting to establish himself as the No. 1 option in the passing game.
Dell recently broke the franchise record for receiving touchdowns for a rookie, and his absence takes the air out of what’s been a surprisingly fun Texans offense.
His connection with Stroud grew over the course of the regular season, but now the first-year signal caller will have to rely on his other receiving options to move the football.
A broken fibula likely means Dell is out for the remainder of the year, so hopefully his rehab process goes well and is fully healthy for the 2024 NFL season.
