Houston Texans defensive back Jalen Pitre left during the second quarter of Sunday’s 32-27 loss against the Tennessee Titans.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed 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 Monday during his press conference. According to multiple reports, Pitre suffered a torn pectoral muscle but will not need to undergo surgery.
“Jalen has brought — he’s been a true impact player for us. Just being around the ball. Just causing interceptions, forcing fumbles, he’s just been really active, very instinctive player for us, he’s been all over the field,” Ryans said.
The multi-balanced defender was en route to a breakout third season after switching from safety to the nickel. At Baylor, he became an All-American and won the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year while lined up in the slot.
Through 12 games, few players were as consistent as Pitre in tackling. He ranked second on the team in tackles (65), tied for fifth in tackles for loss (6) and third in pass deflections (8).
“He’s made a lot of plays for us. And just miss his instincts, miss his playmaking ability, we’re going to miss that. So, we’ve got to pick it up and we’ve got to go.”
Pitre is expected to get a second opinion to determine exactly how long he’ll be out. If doctors believe the severity of the injury could worsen should he return, the Texans might shut him down for the remainder of the year.
“We’ve got to move forward,” Ryans said. “We’ve got to press forward. Whoever else steps in, we’ve got to hit the ground running.”
Currently, the Texans are limited in their options to replace Pitre. Safeties Eric Murray and Jimmie Ward have experience playing in the slot, with the latter replacing Pitre on Sunday. Ward, who previously lined up as the nickel defender in Ryans’ defense with the San Francisco 49ers, picked off Will Levis in the third quarter and returned for a 67-yard touchdown.
“I just got to do my one of 11,” Ward said postgame. “Whatever the coaches ask of me to try and help this team win, that’s what I’m gonna do.”
The Texans also have rookie Calen Bullock, though he’s best used as a deep safety. Fellow rookie Kamari Lassiter was drafted with the thought he could play in the nickel, though he’s manned down the No. 2 receiver opposite All-Pro candidate Derek Stingley Jr.
Houston could elevate cornerback Myles Bryant, who has experience playing nickel, from the practice squad onto the active roster. Former starting nickel Desmond King could be brought back given his knowledge of the Texans’ defensive play design.
Regardless, the Texans (7-5) have six days to shore up the position before traveling east to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9). Houston has lost four of its last six games.
