Jalen Pitre’s season might not be over, but the Houston Texans must find a way to survive without him.
According to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson, the third-year defensive back suffered a partial pectoral tear during Sunday’s loss against the Tennessee Titans and is now expected to miss several games.
For now, Pitre is not expected to undergo surgery, though a timetable for his return is to be determined. The standout nickel defender could end up needing surgery last this offseason, but Houston will weigh all its options before determining the best plan for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Not a full tear of pectoral for #Texans nickel Jalen Pitre, per league sources, after MRI conducted. Whether he’ll have surgery is still being determined @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 25, 2024
Pitre, who led the team in tackles with 75 entering Sunday’s contest, was initially diagnosed as a shoulder injury. After undergoing an MRI Monday morning, it was revealed the extent of the injury was worse than initially projected.
Houston (7-5) continues to deal with injuries on the defensive side that linger for multiple weeks. Will Anderson, Henry To’oTo’o, Foley Fatukasi, Jimmie Ward and Kamari Lassiter have all missed consecutive games because of injuries since the start of the regular season.
The Texans haven’t had their projected starting lineup playing together once this season with Christian Harris on the injured reserve and Dencio Atury missing six games due to a suspension.
The Texans must sign a defensive back to the active roster to take pressure off Ward in the nickel. Eric Murray, who’s started nine games this season, will probably remain at safety opposite rookie Calen Bullock while the former San Francisco 49ers star moves closer to the line of scrimmage.
#JalenPitre @HoustonTexans
Going back over video, apparrent right pectoral tendon tear. Would mean surgery and season over. pic.twitter.com/BfKreNmPhh— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) November 25, 2024
Pitre’s injury stings, but it comes at what could be called a “relaxing time” of the schedule. The Texans head to Jacksonville to take on a two-win Jaguars squad before entering their bye week next afternoon.
Pite will have three weeks to heal before Houston takes on the Miami Dolphins in what will be a three-game showdown in 15 days.
