The Houston Texans were upset by the Minnesota Vikings in blowout fashion on Sunday, and there’s a chance the damage extends beyond just the standings page. Tank Dell went off the field during a meaningless final drive with Davis Mills under center and the medical staff was checking out his hand.
What Happened to Tank Dell?
Dell missed the final six games of last season with an injury that came while trying to make a block, and he is again dinged up. While there are no signs of this being a long-term issue, the fact that he is at less than full strength in an offense that has plenty of options is less than ideal.
There did not seem to be immediate concern from the beat reporters, so it will be interesting to see whether Dell even misses time at practice this week or if it was just an impact injury that should not have a lasting effect.
#Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Tank Dell 'should be fine' @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/DBCvxTvOlC
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 22, 2024
After the game, head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters that Dell “should be fine,” but did not expand further on the injury situation. It is likely we will get a further update tomorrow when Ryans speaks to the media again ahead of Week 4.
Dell saw a total of six targets during the Week 3 game, catching five of them for 62 yards. Two of those receptions for 34 yards came on the final drive with Mills in the game.
That last drive success will have salvaged the day a little for Dell’s fantasy managers, as he finished with 11.2 fantasy points in PPR. However, it may have cost more long term if the hand injury costs him time on the field down the line.
Fantasy Impact of Dell’s Injury
Dell has yet to find his rhythm in an offense that features more weapons than it did a year ago when he broke out as a rookie. Fantasy football managers should be fearing his lack of a consistent role more than the impact of what appears to be a minor injury that was treated with caution due to the state of the game.
Nico Collins has established himself as the primary deep option and, if three weeks are any indication, Stefon Diggs is going to live in the short area. The former Buffalo Bill hasn’t had a catch gain more than 21 yards yet, continuing a shortening of his route tree that we saw down the stretch of last season.
Dell is a risk-reward Flex play when at full strength and a player you need to keep on the pine if he is at anything less.