No good news is coming from the Houston locker room after Week 16. Not only did the Texans suffer a 27-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs bringing their season record to a 9-6, but another heart-stopping incident took away whatever good was left in the CJ Stroud’s team…

The incident occurred after the QB threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Tank Dell, closing the score to 17-16 and leaving the Texans 1 point behind. But the celebration was short-lived. But, on the reception, Teammate Jared Wayne’s collision undercut Dell’s legs deep in the end zone, leaving the wide receiver writhing in pain. As the medical staff rushed in, Dell’s teammates formed a solemn huddle, visibly shaken and teary-eyed. NFL insider Ian Rapoport later reported a dislocated kneecap, with surgery still on the table.

“#Texans WR Tank Dell suffered a dislocated knee cap, sources say, as doctors are working to determine the damage. Surgery is possible, but has not yet happened. Dell’s injury is significant, as coach DeMeco Ryans said. Not clear how significant,” the tweet from Rapoport said on December 21. Jesse A Morse, who’s currently a resident physician at Creighton University, and a “Sports Medicine Physician, specifically Regenerative Medicine at The Osteopathic Center”, as per his Instagram bio, also provided further insight into the unfavorable situation.

“This is the same injury that Patrick Mahomes suffered several years ago. The question becomes how much damage is there to the MPFL, which is the ligament that holds the kneecap in place. Furthermore, are there any other injuries to the knee/leg? If this was the only injury, that would be amazing as overall, this is a relatively minor injury compared to some of the other possibilities,” he wrote.

“Unlikely unless there is no other damage & he doesn’t need MPFL reconstruction,” he added in another tweet, replying to an X user who had enquired, “With my dislocated kneecap it took me about a month to even walk again… you saying this, what’s the best case for him? Could he be back at all this year?”

Notably, Mahomes had suffered a serious kneecap injury in 2019, during a match against the Denver Broncos en route to their Super Bowl LIV win. In the QB’s own words, “I thought the worst, for sure. When you look down and your knee is on the side of your leg, I mean, you never think that could be anything good.” However, Mahomes missed just two starts after the injury, and even led his team to their first championship in half a century. He was also named the Super Bowl MVP that year (the youngest-ever in NFL history at the time). Can we hope the same for Dell? Well, hopefully.

As per an update from the Houston’s HC DeMeco Ryans, “Tank had a significant knee injury, and he’ll be staying here in Kansas City overnight getting further evaluations,” Ryans shared. “We’ll get an update (Monday) on him. All of our thoughts and prayers are with Tank right now. You see what he means to our entire team. It hurts to see him go down like that. He was having a fantastic game.”

Stroud, on the other hand, was visibly emotional—being consoled by teammates as he walked back to the Houston sideline—and on the verge of tears while Dell was being carted away on a stretcher. “It’s not easy to just let it go, especially (because) that’s my best friend. It’s not easy to move on and keep playing. I tried to do the best I could. My teammates helped me up. I appreciate the guys talking to me as I was going through it,” the QB later said.

Notably, this is Dell’s second consecutive year suffering an injury of this magnitude. Last season, he had fractured his fibula in a Week 13 game against the Denver Broncos that ruled him out for the rest of the season—he played 11 games last year. Then in April this year, the 25-year-old had also suffered a minor gunshot wound as a bystander in Florida while attending a private event. But one thing’s for sure: Dell will aim to bounce back as soon as possible, especially since he has a lot to prove…

Hours before the Chiefs game, the WR had noted as per NFL, “Me, personally, I feel like my season hasn’t been good. I know what I’m capable of. I feel like I can play much better. It starts with me. I got to go out there with a clean slate, a clean mind and make the plays I’m capable of making.”

The 25-year-old recorded six catches for 98 yards to complement a touchdown before being carted off. His absence now could jeopardize Houston’s playoff aspirations. Kansas City solidified its No. 1 seed, while Houston clings to its No. 4 spot. 

But despite this intense rivalry with the Chiefs…

Patrick Mahomes gracefully upholds sportsmanship spirit   

While Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 27-19 victory, his postgame gesture stole headlines. Meeting Stroud on the field, Mahomes offered heartfelt prayers for Dell. “Prayers for Tank,” Mahomes said, adding, “Hope we see y’all in the playoffs.” Stroud responded, “Appreciate that. God bless you, bro.”

Mahomes’ words resonated beyond the game, showcasing his sportsmanship. Even in competition, he recognized the human side of football, earning respect across fan bases. Stroud later praised Mahomes for his kind words. 

“That’s amazing. That shows his heart and what kind of guy he is,” Stroud said. “I pray for him and his family as well.” Their brief but heartfelt exchange highlighted a budding rivalry marked by mutual respect. However, Dell’s absence will leave a major void in Houston’s offense.

Dell recorded 45 receptions this season and racked up 569 yards. He also added 2 touchdowns to his stats. But with Stefon Diggs out for the season and Nico Collins battling injuries, the Texans’ receiver corps is in tatters. Despite clinching the AFC South, Houston faces an uphill battle. With games against the Ravens and Titans looming, the Texans must adjust fast.

Stroud and Ryans have expressed confidence, but Tank Dell’s injury remains a significant hurdle. As the Texans prepare for the postseason, they’ll carry Dell’s spirit with them. His loss is a reminder of football’s brutal nature but also its capacity for resilience and unity. “This is not the end for Tank,” Stroud affirmed. “This is just the beginning.”