Texans WR Tank Dell reportedly suffered LCL, MCL and meniscus damage in addition to a torn ACL and dislocation of his injured left knee

Houston Texans receiver Tank Dell has reportedly torn multiple ligaments and suffered a torn meniscus in his injured left knee, in addition to the damage already noted.

On Monday, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters that Dell had torn the ACL in his dislocated left knee.

“He dislocated his knee, tore his ACL and some other things there that need to be repaired,” Ryans said. “So he’ll be out for a year. Tough news.”

On Tuesday, Texas beat reporter Aaron Wilson revealed the “other” damage Ryans alluded to. Per Wilson, Dell also suffered a torn LCL and MCL in his left knee and a torn meniscus. Wilson’s report also clarified that Dell had dislocated his entire knee, not just the patella.

It’s a devastating injury for the second-year receiver, whose rookie season was cut short by a broken fibula. Dell suffered the broken fibula 11 games into his breakout rookie season in 2023, ending his season in Week 13.

Then, as a bystander at a mass shooting in Florida in April, Dell was shot in one of his legs. He suffered a minor injury in the shootout and was able to take part in the Texans’ OTAs three weeks later.

Dell recovered from his broken fibula and gunshot wound in time to play for the Texans in Week 1 this season. He played 14 games before suffering a knee injury Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Dell took a deep pass from quarterback CJ Stroud into the end zone. At the same time, teammate Jared Wayne dived for the ball. As Dell blocked it, Wayne accidentally hit Dell’s left knee, causing the injury. In Kansas City’s 27-19 win, Dell kept the 30-yard touchdown ball for his final catch of the season.

Dell was in immediate and obvious pain and ultimately had to be wheeled from the field in the back of a truck after being placed on a stretcher. An emotional scene ensued at Arrowhead Stadium that left Houston QB CJ Stroud in tears.

Dell was taken directly to a hospital in Kansas City, where he remained overnight before returning to Houston on Sunday. Dell finished Sunday’s game with six catches for 98 yards and a touchdown. He finished his season with 51 catches for 667 yards and three touchdowns.

A timeline for Dell’s return to health and on the field is not immediately clear. However, he faces a arduous recovery after suffering his second serious on-field leg injury in two NFL seasons.