Texans suffer more than one loss vs Falcons
The Houston Texans might be without one of their most promising offensive playmakers against the New Orleans Saints this weekend. Rookie wide receiver Tank Dell left the game in Week 5's loss to the Atlanta Falcons and was officially ruled out with a concussion. Given the nature of the league's concussion protocol, that likely means […]
The Houston Texans might be without one of their most promising offensive playmakers against the New Orleans Saints this weekend.
Rookie wide receiver Tank Dell left the game in Week 5's loss to the Atlanta Falcons and was officially ruled out with a concussion.
Given the nature of the league's concussion protocol, that likely means the Texans will be forced to be without Dell in Week 6 as well.
According to the league's official protocol, any player diagnosed with a concussion "must follow a five-step process before being cleared to fully practice or participate in an NFL game." The median number of days a player typically remains in the concussion protocol is nine days. This would knock Dell out from practicing for more than likely the entire week.
The Texans third-round selection left the game with :29 seconds remaining in the first-half on Sunday after knocking his head off the field after completing a 29-yard reception on 3rd-and-10. The drive ended with a 28-yard field goal, giving the Texans a 9-7 lead entering the half.
Dell's absence will create a massive hole left to be filled in the Texans passing game. Before leaving the game against the Falcons, Dell led the wide receiver room with three receptions for 57 yards.
Wide receiver Robert Woods also left the game on Sunday for the Texans with a rib injury, but later came back into the game. Woods finished with three receptions for 30 yards.
"The coaches felt confident with me getting back out there and so did I," Woods said in the locker room after the game. "Just going out there and being able to contribute where I can for my team and just trying to find a way to finish the game.
The Texans injury report will be critical to monitor as the week progresses regarding the position. With Dell potentially out for Week 6's matchup, Woods will need to step up into a larger role alongside the team's leading receiver, Nico Collins.
Collins also added three receptions against the Falcons in Week 5, totaling 39 yards. Collins has recorded 467 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns in 2023. The Saints are currently allowing 183 receiving yards to opposing offenses.
Texans’ loss is an important learning experience for a young team
Just have to keep pushing forward.
