One play won’t define a season, but it will determine how the Houston Texans’ offense develops in 2024.

Wide receiver Tank Dell was forced off the field with a dislocated kneecap after a 30-yard touchdown pass from CJ Stroud in the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs and required immediate medical attention. Dell was taken to University of Kansas Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center about 12 miles from Arrowhead Stadium.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Dell will remain in the hospital overnight for further evaluation.

“All of our thoughts and prayers are with Tank right now,” Ryans said. “You can see what he means to our entire team.”

Dell, who led the team with six catches for 98 yards, had burst out on offense desperately trying to keep the Texans within striking distance of stopping a resurgent Kansas City offense led by a healthy Patrick Mahomes. After being eliminated, Houston was only able to score 3 total points on the way to a 27-19 loss.

Here’s everything you need to know in the immediate aftermath of Saturday’s tough loss that could impact the outcome of the regular season.

It was over when…

Dell left the game. It’s one thing to lose a talented receiver who’s on fire, but Houston’s receiving room was completely out of order early in the game. Cade Stover and John Metchie III were ruled out before the team headed to Arrowhead Stadium. Stefon Diggs is out this year. Dalton Schultz and Nico Collins tried to help, but coverage in the middle of the field was tight.

Houston’s inability to win vertically was lost after Dell’s departure. The chances of coming back also increased.

Top performers

Texan

Top passer: CJ Stroud – 23 of 39, 244 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs

Top rusher: Joe Mixon – 14 carries, 57 yards

Top receiver: Tank Dell – 6 catches, 98 yards, 1 TD

Top tackler: Eric Murray – 10 tackles

Interception: None

Sacks: Christian Harris – 1 sack, 1 TFL

Chiefs

Top passer: Patrick Mahomes – 28 of 41, 260 yards, 1 touchdown

Top rusher: Kareem Hunt – 11 carries, 55 yards,

Top receiver: Xavier Worthy – 7 catches, 65 yards

Top tackler: Drue Tranquill – 7 tackles, 1 PBU

Interceptions: Trent McDuffie – 1 INT

Sacks: Joshua Williams – 1 sack

Texans stars of the game

• WR Tank Dell -The man broke his kneecap and managed to catch a touchdown pass. Nobody does that. Always.

• TE Dalton Schultz For the second time in three games, Schultz found the end zone for six hits. He worked his way past Drue Tranquil for a 10-yard score, bringing the score back to within three yards. Schultz also caught three passes for first down gains.

• LB Christian Harris – Two games back and he has a sack. If you’re a Texans fan, take that in stride.

Injuries

• Texas wide receiver Tank Dell was transported with a dislocated kneecap and did not return. He is not expected to play again this season.

• Texas defender Jimmie Ward was forced off with a foot injury just before halftime and did not return.

• Texans offensive lineman Shaq Mason left after the fourth game with a knee injury and underwent an MRI. He didn’t return.

• Chiefs LB Jack Cochrane broke his ankle on special teams in the first quarter and did not return.

• Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor left in the third quarter with a knee injury and did not return.

• Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones suffered a mild calf strain in the fourth and did not return, although his injury was considered mild.

What’s next for the Texans?

Houston has three short days off before returning to NRG Stadium to face the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans vs. Chiefs: Everything you need to know about Houston’s heartbreaking road loss in Week 16