The Houston Texans’ playoff hopes were dealt a crushing blow last weekend when wide receiver Tank Dell suffered a season-ending leg injury in a win over the Denver Broncos.
Dell had been one of the biggest threats in the Texans’ offense this season, logging 47 catches for 409 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games.
Houston offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik understand the severe impact that Dell’s injury will have on the team, and he became emotional when discussing his rookie wide out.
“I think everyone will kind of have the same reaction on the team to that one,” Slowik said, via SportsRadio610. “It’s gut-wrenching. It hurts. It almost brings a tear — not almost — it did bring a tear to my eye. That one hurts a lot.”
The Texans still have plenty of depth at the position, as Nico Collins has actually been the club’s No. 1 receiver with 59 receptions for 991 yards and six scores this season. They also have Noah Brown and Robert Woods, both of whom have been productive.
However, there is no doubt that Dell’s absence will be significant, and Slowik is hoping that receivers like John Metchie and Xavier Hutchinson can step up in Dell’s stead.
“We think both of those guys do some things very, very well, and we want to take advantage of that and put those guys in positions to do that,” Slowik said.
The Texans have emerged as surprise playoff contenders this season, going 7-5 through Week 13. Houston has won four of its last five games thanks to some superb play from rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud as well as some incredible outings from its receivers.
Obviously, without Dell, things have become that much more difficult for the Texans. They were able to defeat the Broncos without Tank Dell, and now, they will get another test when they take on the New York Jets this Sunday.
Houston is currently one game behind the Jacksonville Jaguars for first place in the AFC South.
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