Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell has posted on Instagram for the first time since learning that the knee injury he suffered in December could cause him to miss all of 2025.
Dell was injured making a touchdown catch in the Arrowhead Stadium end zone against the Kansas City Chiefs; He collided with teammate Jared Wayne and was taken off the field in an ambulance before spending the night in the hospital.
On Christmas Eve, it was learned that Dell had torn his ACL, MCL and lateral ligaments, dislocated his kneecap and damaged his meniscus.
Additionally, the 25-year-old is expected to need more than one surgery, which could keep him out for the entire year.
Now, in his first Instagram post since the injury, Dell posted a two-word statement to his fans.
“Long trip,” he wrote, along with emojis of a bandaged heart and a hug.
Tank Dell's knee injury in December Chiefs game could cause him to miss all of 2025
Dell had to spend the night in Kansas City after the game, which his team lost 27-19 against the Super Bowl champions.
The Texans then claimed wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens to fill the void left by Dell with the playoffs approaching.
Houston lost badly in its next game, being defeated 31-2 by the Baltimore Ravens and will complete the regular season on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans thanked the Chiefs organization for helping take care of Dell when he was injured during the game.
“We would really like to thank the Kansas City medical team, the doctors and their staff for being so helpful,” Ryans said.
'For helping with Tank, giving him a room and preparing him.
'I really thought those guys did a really amazing job. (Head athletic trainer) Rick Burkholder and his staff did an incredible job and are very grateful to the entire Kansas City organization and their medical team.