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The Texans’ offense has been productive throughout right now’s sport in opposition to the Broncos, however the unit has been dealt a significant blow within the course of. Wideout Tank Dell was carted off the sector early within the contest, and he has since been identified with a fractured fibula, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
On account of the damage, Rapoport notes an IR stint is headed Dell’s method. Being positioned on injured reserve requires at the very least a four-week absence, however a lengthier one might very effectively be in retailer. The prognosis is similar one Ravens tight finish Mark Andrews acquired just lately, and he’s believed to be out for the remainder of the season.
Lacking Dell for any important time can be a vital blow for Houston’s passing sport. The third-round rookie entered Sunday’s sport with 47 catches for 709 yards and 7 touchdowns. These figures made him a staple of the Texans’ offense, particularly in latest video games. Dell has drawn double-digit targets 4 instances this season, together with a span of three straight contests in November. His distinctive skillset shall be tough to switch each on offense and particular groups.
The 24-year-old has served because the Texans’ kick and punt returner this season. Within the latter capability particularly, he has made an affect. Dell has totaled 100 yards on 11 punt returns, including to his 44 yards on a pair of kick returns. Veteran cornerback Desmond King dealt with kick return duties throughout right now’s win, however Houston’s offense shall be with out a dynamic component if Dell is certainly compelled to overlook appreciable time.
In his absence, the Texans leaned closely on Nico Collins within the passing sport. The third-year wideout was the group’s main receiver heading into Week 13, and he posted a 9-191-1 statline on Sunday. Collins – who shall be eligible for an extension on the finish of the season – would be the point of interest of Houston’s passing assault transferring ahead. The group additionally has John Metchie and Noah Brown as complementary choices on the WR spot.
Additional testing will little doubt be finished on Dell within the close to future, however the truth such a major damage has already been reported is clearly regarding. It will likely be price watching intently how a lot time he finally ends up lacking, and the way the 7-5 Texans transfer ahead as their playoff push continues.
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