The hits keep coming as the NFL season nears its end.
Texan suffered a partial tear of his pectoral muscle and is expected to be out for “several weeks,” according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 Sports.
“He will be out for some time.” said.
Pitre had a breakout third season before leaving Houston in the second quarter against the in Week 12. At this point, he is not expected to undergo surgery during the regular season and could return before the end of the season.
No complete chest tear for Nickel Jalen Pitre, according to league sources, after undergoing an MRI. A decision is still being made as to whether he will undergo surgery
– Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL)
However, that doesn't change the fact that Houston still hasn't won the AFC South division title heading into the bye week and needs reinforcements at the nickel position in December.
One of the blessings of the Texans' defense has been Pitre's consistency in coverage and run support. He had played almost every defensive snap this season while attempting to tackle Titans receiver Tyler Boyd in the second quarter.
In 12 games, Pitre ranked second on the team with 75 tackles. An effective blitz player, he also recorded six tackles for loss, eight pass deflections and one interception.
“He’s really a special kid,” defensive coordinator Matt Burke said earlier this season. “I love being around him every day and then talking to him and seeing how he works. He’s fully committed.”
Where do the Texans turn next?
Houston will need to add another defensive player for depth before its Week 13 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. As for the long-term option, that part remains a question mark.
The current expectation is that the Texans will turn to Jimmie Ward to play in that slot. Ward has experience in the system, having played under Ryans in nickel for two seasons while the duo was in San Francisco.
Watching the video again, there is obviously a tear in the right pectoral tendon. Would mean surgery and the end of the season.
— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc)
At first, Ward just wanted to play it safe when he became a free agent. So far, Ryans has kept his word and left him behind. That changed on Sunday when Ward picked off Will Levis for a 67-yard touchdown.
So far, it looks like Ward has changed his mind and plans to do whatever it takes to help Houston maintain its winning ways. The Texans currently remain 1.5 games ahead of the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South and could improve to 4-1 overall in the division with a win on Sunday at EverBank Stadium.
Moving Ward to the nickel corner spot also means Eric Murray and Calen Bullock get full-time snaps at safety instead of rotating. Bullock was great in coverage, but his tackling was questionable.
Teams have targeted Murray in recent weeks because of his coverage skills. In Sunday's loss, the veteran safety missed an open-field tackle on Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo that led to a 70-yard touchdown.
This is the play I asked Texas CB Derek Stingley about. Watching the replay is worse than watching it in real time. Safety Eric Murray won't want to see that during film study on Monday.
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz)
While the Texans could add a veteran off waivers like former Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson or former starter Desmond King, they could elevate Myles Bryant from the practice squad to the active roster.
After beating out King for the backup nickel role, Bryant played in four games and saw limited action as Pitre's replacement. He has an understanding of defense and could be an upgrade if Ward or Murray struggle with the new roles.
Texans 2024 schedule
- September 8th: in Indianpolis (W, 29-27)
- September 15: vs. Chicago (W, 19-13)
- September 22: at Minnesota (L, 34-7)
- September 29: vs. Jacksonville (W, 24-20)
- October 6: vs. Buffalo (W, 23-20)
- Oct. 13: in New England (W, 41-21)
- Oct. 20: in Green Bay (L, 24-22)
- Oct. 27: vs. Indianpolis (W, 23-20)
- Oct. 31: at the New York Jets (L, 21-13)
- November 10: vs. Detroit (L, 26-23)
- November 18th in Dallas (W, 34-10)
- November 24 vs. Tennessee (L, 32-27)
- Record: 7-5