Quarterback CJ Stroud and running back Joe Mixon were wearing shirts honoring Dell during warmups.
HOUSTON — Before the Texans game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston players showed their support for an injured teammate.
Quarterback CJ Stroud and running back Joe Mixon were both sporting Tank Dell shirts in warmups. Dell, as you probably know, is out for the season after suffering a dislocated knee and torn ACL in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs in December.
And if the Texans players need inspiration for the wild card showdown against the Chargers, they got it when Dell himself walked out of the tunnel. The Houston Texans X account posted video of it which you can see below.
Texans players did the same for Stefon Diggs earlier this season when he suffered a season-ending torn ACL.
As for the game, Houston comes into it with a 10-7 record and as the AFC South champs. The Chargers are 11-6 and got into the postseason as a wild card, coming in second in the AFC West to the Chiefs.
The Chargers-Texans matchup
Chargers QB Justin Herbert is 304 of 468 for 3,524 yards on the season. He’s thrown 21 touchdowns to only 3 interceptions. Ladd McConkey is his top target, with 1,054 yards on 77 receptions. He also has seven touchdowns.
Texans QB CJ Stroud is 330 of 526 for 3,677 yards with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His top target this season has been Nico Collins, who has 63 receptions for 968 yards and six touchdowns.
Joe Mixon leads the Texans running attack. He’s racked up 993 yards on 240 carries and 11 touchdowns on the ground. He’s also a threat receiving out of the backfield with 13 catches for 304 yards and a touchdown.
JK Dobbins led the Chargers in rushing with 177 carries for 842 yards and nine touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Texans are seventh overall in the NFL, allowing 315 yards per game. The Chargers are 13th at 328 yards given up per game. The Texans will get a big boost on defense as last year’s AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. is expected back from his hand injury. And cornerback Derek Stingley is fresh off his selection as an Associated Press First Team All-Pro.
The Chargers come into the game with the league’s best scoring defense, allowing only 17.7 points per game, meaning a Texans offense that’s been off and on for most of the year needs to be on if Houston wants to advance for the second straight season.