Tag: Jalen Pitre

Jalen Pitre’s breakout season over following recent Texans’ transaction

Jalen Pitre’s season is over for the Houston Texans.

Jalen Pitre’s breakout season has officially reached its end.

The Houston Texans placed the third-year do-it-all defensive back on the injured reserve, thus ending his 2024 campaign.

Houston begins its three-game stretch in 11 days without two of its best defenders starting Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

“Losing a great player like Jalen is a blow,” Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said Thursday. “But we feel confident in the guys that we can step up and make some plays.”

Pitre, who suffered a pectoral injury during the second quarter of Week 12’s loss against the Tennessee Titans, knew his season could be over entering the bye week but wanted a second opinion from medical experts. The testing confirmed that immediate surgery would be the best course moving forward.

Back at his natural nickel position, Pitre had transformed into one of the team’s most important defensive players. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans loved his aggressive play style against the run and often used him in the box to blitz.

“Being around the ball, causing interceptions, forcing fumbles, he’s just been a really active, a very instinctive player for us,” Ryans said earlier this month. “He’s been all over the field, and he’s made a lot of plays for us.

In 12 games, Pitre totaled 65 tackles, six tackles for loss, an interception and a career-high eight pass deflections.

Pitre’s loss is a blow, but so is the departure of Azeez Al-Shaair. The middle linebacker is serving a three-game ban for his late hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and will not return to the lineup until Week 18’s season finale against the Tennessee Titans.

The good news? Houston is expected to have back Christian Harris, who was cleared to practice earlier this week. Harris, who finished with 101 tackles in 2023, missed the first 14 games due to a lingering calf injury suffered in training camp.

Texans receive worst-possible news on Jalen Pitre’s 2024 status

The Houston Texans will be without star defensive back Jalen Pitre for the rest of the 2024 season.

Jalen Pitre’s breakout season hit a road bump following Week 12’s loss against the Tennessee Titans.

Now, it’s reached its end.

According to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson, the Houston Texans’ third-year defensive back will undergo season-ending surgery on his shoulder. He’s expected to be placed on the injured reserve later this week but should make a full recovery before the start of the 2025 offseason workouts.

Pitre sought a second opinion on his chest injury after his initial diagnosis that he would be out for some time. The second opinion confirmed what the Texans had feared.

The muscle damage was worse than expected, leading to the option for surgery. Houston now must find a way to survive without one of its best defenders for the rest of the regular season.

After a sophomore in 2023, Pitre, 25, was having a resurgent season. He totaled 65 tackles, eight pass deflections, an interception and six tackles for loss through 12 games.

Pitre, a 2022 second-round pick out of Baylor, shifted back to his natural nickel position and impressed. Not only was he exceptional when asked to cover the opponent’s slot receiver, but the Texans loved to use him in the box to blitz.

“Being around the ball, causing interceptions, forcing fumbles, he’s just been a really active, a very instinctive player for us,” Ryans said then. “He’s been all over the field, and he’s made a lot of plays for us.

“We’re going to miss his instincts, miss his play-making ability. We’ve got to pick it up and we’ve got to go. Whoever steps in, has to hit the ground running.”

The Texans will lean heavily on safety Jimmie Ward as the new nickel defender. He’s stepped up over the past two weeks in place of Pitre while Eric Murray and Calen Bullock have been staples at safety.

The Texans (8-5) also will be without suspended starting linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for Sunday’s showdown against the Miami Dolphins (6-7). Al-Shaair, Houston’s defensive captain, is currently serving a three-game ban for his late hit against Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans announce their nominee for 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

The Houston Texans have found their Walter Payton Man of the Year honoree for the 2024 season.

Ask anyone inside the Houston Texans locker room how they feel about Jalen Pitre in one word and you can expect to hear a few crossovers and correlations.

Leader comes to mind.

So does “Captain.”

Hard-working, dedicated, and unrelenting are a few that also fit the mold surrounding the third-year defensive back.

But Man of the Year honoree? That’s a title that must be earned among peers and coaches.

Consider the mission accomplished as of Thursday morning.

Pitre was named the Texans’ nominee for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.  The award recognizes players who excel on and off the field through their involvement in the community.

This is the first time Pitre has been nominated for the award, which comes on the heels of a breakout season with the AFC South franchise. His dedication to the on-field craft has carried over to his work in the Great Houston community.

A Stafford graduate just outside downtown Houston, Ptire is an advocate for Kids’ Meals Inc., a local nonprofit organization that delivers free, healthy meals to children in need to try to end the widespread problem of childhood hunger.

Last season, he teamed up with Kids’ Meals to lead the “Feed 5 More” campaign that continues today. Through $5 incremental, crowd-sourced donations, his goal is to raise funds to feed 55,555 kids.

“Jalen Pitre is a shining example of an exceptional leader on and off the field,” Houston Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair said. “As a hometown player, we’re so proud of the impact he’s had in our community and look forward to his continued commitment to H-Town for many years to come. Jalen is incredibly deserving of this honor and we know how much this means to him.”

Pitre also serves as a sponsor in the Texans’ Community Huddle Ticket Program this season, which gives people who may not otherwise have a chance to attend an NFL game with a unique experience.  Every home game, the Stafford Cobras, the youth football team Pitre played on growing up, are treated to tickets, food vouchers and parking passes at NRG Stadium.

“My parents always taught me that if anyone was in need and we had the means that we should lend a helping hand,” Pitre said. “I’m blessed to be in this position now, and it’s my duty to help and shed light on others who need it. I have a ton of gratitude and appreciation that I was chosen as a nominee for this award. I hope I can continue to inspire and encourage people to help others as much as they can.”

While most people will speak of Pitre’s work off the field, his on-field play has been superb. In 12 games, he’s totaled 44 solo tackles, an interception, two sacks and a career-high eight passes defended.

Last month, Pitre suffered a partial tear to his pectoral muscle against the Tennessee Titans on Nov. 24. While he’s not expected to miss the remainder of the season, there’s no timetable on when he’ll return to the lineup.

Fans can vote for Pitre on the NFL’s official website and through social media with the hashtag #WPMOYChallenge.

Each of the league’s 32 nominees will receive up to a $55,000 donation in their name to a charity of their choice courtesy of the NFL Foundation and Nationwide Foundation. The winner will be announced at the NFL Honors show on Feb. 6, and all 32 nominees will be recognized during Super Bowl week in New Orleans.

Jaguars vs. Texans injury report: Latest updates, news for Friday

Here’s the injury report from Friday’s practice as the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Here are the full injury reports from Thursday’s practice for the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of their Week 13 matchup at EverBank Stadium:

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)

OUT

  • LB Yasir Abdullah (hamstring)

QUESTIONABLE

  • QB Trevor Lawrence (non-throwing shoulder)

ACTIVE

  • CB Tyson Campbell (shoulder)
  • RB Tank Bigsby (ankle)
  • OL Brandon Scherff (knee/shoulder)

Note: Campbell was a limited participant in Friday’s practice. 

Houston Texans (7-5)

OUT

  • DT Folorunso Fatukasi (foot)
  • DB Jalen Pitre (shoulder)

QUESTIONABLE

  • WR Xavier Hutchinson (shoulder)

ACTIVE

  • OT Blake Fisher (concussion)
  • DB Jimmie Ward (knee)
  • LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee)
  • DE Will Anderson Jr. (ankle)
  • DE Denico Autry (knee/oblique)

* Bold indicates an upgrade from Thursday’s practice.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans vs. Jaguars injury report: Latest updates, news for Wednesday

Here’s the injury report for Wednesday’s practice as the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Here are the full injury reports for the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of their Week 13 matchup at EverBank Stadium:

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)

Did not practice

  • LB Yasir Abdullah (hamstring)

Limited participation 

  • CB Tyson Campbell (shoulder)
  • QB Trevor Lawrence (non-throwing shoulder)

Full practice

  • RB Tank Bigsby (ankle)
  • OL Brandon Scherff (knee/shoulder)

Houston Texans (7-5)

Did not practice

  • DE Denico Autry (knee/oblique)
  • DT Folorunso Fatukasi (foot)
  • DB Jalen Pitre (shoulder)
  • DE Will Anderson Jr. (ankle)

Limited participation 

  • LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee)
  • OT Blake Fisher (concussion)
  • WR Nico Collins (rest)
  • OL Shaq Mason (rest)
  • DB Jimmie Ward (knee)
  • OT Laremy Tunsil (rest)
  • WR Xavier Hutchinson (shoulder)
  • TE Teagan Quitoriano (knee)

Full practice

N/A

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

 

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans comments on Jalen Pitre’s injury

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans gave his thoughts on Jalen Pitre’s injury from Sunday’s game.

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.

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

Texans receive negative update on DB Jalen Pitre

Jalen Pitre could be done for the Houston Texans in 2024 after suffering a pectoral injury in Week 12’s loss against the Tennessee Titans.

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.

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.

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.

Jalen Pitre injury update: Texans star DB ruled out for second half vs. Titans

Jalen Pitre is currently being evaluated for a shoulder injury against the Tennessee Titans.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

The Houston Texans trail 20-17 at halftime in an AFC South bout against the Tennessee Titans, but there’s a much more prominent concern entering the second half. 

Star defensive back Jalen Pitre left just before halftime after holding onto his shoulder while walking off the field. According to the Texans’ public relations staff, he’s currently being evaluated for a shoulder injury. 

Pitre, who switched from safety to the nickel position this offseason, has been one of Houston’s better open-field tacklers for DeMeco Ryans’ defense in Year 2. The Texans are thin without him since cornerback Jeff Okudah was ruled out before Sunday’s showdown at NRG Stadium. 

Here’s everything to know of Pitre’s injury:

Jalen Pitre injury update

Pitre exited Sunday’s game against the Titans and went to the locker room, according to the CBS broadcast. He is currently being evaluated for a shoulder injury. 

According to the Texans’ PR staff, Pitre will not return for the second half. Now the question turns to if he’ll miss next week’s matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars before the bye in Week 14.

Will Jalen Pitre return?

Pitre will not return for the second half on defense. 

Jalen Pitre stats

In 11 games, Pitre leads Houston with 64 total tackles and eight pass deflections. He’s also recorded an interception and forced a fumble. 

Texans DB Depth Chart

For Sunday’s game, the expectation is for Jimmie Ward to move down to the nickel position while Calen Bullock and Eric Murray man the safety spot. Houston also could play a three-linebacker set with Neville Hewitt as the new MIKE backer and Azeez Al-Shaair in coverage as the team’s starting WILL. 

Watch: Texans set tone on ‘SNF’ vs. Lions with Jimmie Ward interception

The Houston Texans began on defense against the Detroit Lions and stopped the red hot offense with a Jimmie Ward interception

No offense in the NFL has been playing better than the Detroit Lions over the past six weeks.

The Houston Texans didn’t get the memo and got off the field and set up their offense in prime field position.

Nickel defender Jalen Pitre got in the way of Lions quarterback Jared Goff, tipping his pass, which veteran safety Jimmie Ward was able to get his hands under for the opening drive interception.

Here’s a look at the play below.

Goff has thrown just 22 incompletions during Detroit’s six-game winning streak, including one interception. He’s already thrown two incompletions and an interception after one drive.

The turnover is the first caused by Ward this season, who returned to the lineup after a four-game hiatus due to a groin injury.

Houston is 3-1 this season when Ward plays, so it makes sense why the AFC South leaders love when No. 20 is out on the field making plays.