Can the Texans find a replacement for DB Jalen Pitre?

The hits keep coming for the Houston Texans as Jalen Pitre is expected to be out “for a while” after leaving Sunday’s game.

The hits keep coming for the Houston Texans as the NFL season draws closer to its end.

Texans nickel defender Jalen Pitre suffered a partial tear to his pectoral muscle and is expected to miss “several weeks,” according to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson.

“He’ll be out for some time,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said.

Pitre was having a breakout third season before leaving in the second quarter of Houston’s 32-27 loss against the Tennessee Titans in Week 12. As of this moment, he’s not expected to undergo surgery during the regular season and could return before the end of the campaign.

That doesn’t change the fact that Houston still hasn’t clinched the AFC South division title entering its bye week and needs reinforcements at the nickel position entering December.

One of the blessings of the Texans’ defense was Pitre’s durability in coverage and run support. He had played nearly every defensive snap this season before colliding with linebacker Henry To’oTo’o while trying to tackle Titans receiver Tyler Boyd during the second quarter.

In 12 games, Pitre ranked second on the team in tackles with 75 stops. An effective blitzer, he also recorded six tackles for loss,  eight pass deflections, and an interception.

“He’s such a special kid, he really is,” defensive coordinator Matt Burke said earlier this season. “I love being around him every day and then talking to him and seeing how he operates. He is all ball.”

Where do the Texans turn next?

Houston must add another defensive back for depth purposes entering its Week 13 bout with the Jacksonville Jaguars. As for the long-term option, that part remains a question mark.

Right now, it’s expected that the Texans will turn to Jimmie Ward to play in the slot. Ward has experience in the system after playing under Ryans for two seasons in the nickel while the duo were in San Francisco.

#JalenPitre @HoustonTexans

Initially, Ward only wanted to play safety when he became a free agent. So far, Ryans has kept his word and left him on the back end. That changed Sunday when Ward picked off Will Levis for a 67-yard touchdown.

So far, it seems like Ward has a change of heart and plans on doing whatever it takes to help Houston keep its winning ways alive. Right now, the Texans 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 victory on Sunday at EverBank Stadium.

Moving Ward to the nickel corner spot also means Eric Murray and Calen Bullock will get full-time snaps at safety instead of rotating. Bullock has been great in coverage, but questionable with his tackling.

Teams have targeted Murray in recent weeks due to his coverage skills. In Sunday’s loss, the veteran safety missed an open-field tackle on Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo that resulted in a 70-yard touchdown.

This is the play I asked Texans CB Derek Stingley about. Looking at the replay is worse than seeing it in real time. Safety Eric Murray is not going to want to see this during film study on Monday. #Texans #Sarge pic.twitter.com/vcD95gPH0a

— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) November 25, 2024

While the Texans could add a veteran off waivers like former Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson or former starting nickel Desmond King, they could elevate Myles Bryant to the active roster off the practice squad.

After beating out King for the backup nickel role, Bryant played in four games and saw limited action as Pitre’s backup. He has an understanding of the defense and could be an upgrade if Ward or Murray struggle at the new roles.

Texans 2024 schedule

  • Sept. 8: at Indianpolis (W, 29-27)
  • Sept. 15: vs. Chicago (W, 19-13)
  • Sept. 22: at Minnesota (L, 34-7)
  • Sept. 29: vs. Jacksonville (W, 24-20)
  • Oct. 6: vs. Buffalo (W, 23-20)
  • Oct. 13: at New England (W, 41-21)
  • Oct. 20: at Green Bay (L, 24-22)
  • Oct. 27: vs. Indianpolis (W, 23-20)
  • Oct. 31: at New York Jets (L, 21-13)
  • Nov. 10: vs. Detroit (L, 26-23)
  • Nov. 18 at Dallas (W, 34-10)
  • Nov. 24 vs. Tennessee (L, 32-27)
  • Record: 7-5