defensive back left in the second quarter of Sunday's 32-27 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
Texans coach confirmed that it's the last time fans will see him for a while.
Pitre is expected to be “out for some time” with a shoulder injury, Ryans said during his press conference on Monday. According to multiple reports, Pitre suffered a torn pectoral muscle but will not have to undergo surgery.
“Jalen brought – he was a real impact player for us. Just be on the ball. He just caused interceptions, forced fumbles, he was just a really active, very instinctive player for us, he was all over the field,” Ryans said.
DeMeco Ryans about what the will likely miss the rest of the season without Jalen Pitre (shoulder/pectoral muscle) on the field
“Miss his instincts, his playing ability. We will miss that. We have to advocate for everyone else to step in.”
— Shaun Bijani (@ShaunBijani)
The versatile defender was on his way to a breakout third season after moving from safety to nickel. At Baylor, he became an All-American and won Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors while in the lineup.
In twelve games, few players have been as consistent in duels as Pitre. He ranked second on the team in tackles (65), fifth in tackles for a loss (6) and third in pass deflections (8).
“He made a lot of plays for us. And he just lacks his instincts, his playing skills, we will miss that. So we have to record it and get going.”
Pitre is expected to seek a second opinion to determine exactly how long he will be out. If doctors believe the severity of the injury could worsen upon his return, the Texans could suspend him for the remainder of the year.
“We have to move forward,” Ryans said. “We have to keep going. Whoever else steps in, we have to get started immediately.”
Currently, the Texans' options for replacing Pitre are limited. Safeties Eric Murray and Jimmie Ward have experience in the slot game, with the latter replacing Pitre on Sunday. Ward, who previously played as a nickel defender in Ryans' defense with the San Francisco 49ers, tackled Will Levis in the third quarter and returned it for a 67-yard touchdown.
Jimmie Ward's house call in Houston!
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“I just have to make my one of 11,” Ward said after the game. “Whatever the coaches ask me to do to help this team win, that’s what I’m going to do.”
The Texans also have rookie Calen Bullock, but he is best used as a deep safety. Fellow freshman Kamari Lassiter was drafted with the thought that he could play in nickel, despite occupying the No. 2 receiver position alongside All-Pro candidate Derek Stingley Jr.
Houston could promote cornerback Myles Bryant, who has experience playing nickel, from the practice squad to the active roster. Former starter Desmond King could be brought back because of his knowledge of the Texans' defensive game plan.
Regardless, the Texans (7-5) have six days to solidify their position before traveling east to face the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9). Houston has lost four of its last six games.