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.

Texans-Titans Week 12: Offense, defense and special teams snap counts

Here’s the snap count total from the Houston Texans’ 32-27 loss against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

As fans flooded to the exits of NRG Stadium, C.J. Stroud tried to save the day.

Instead, he channeled his inner Dan Orvlosky and ran out of the back of the end zone before Harold Landry could officially bring him down for a safety.

Ball game for the Bulls on Parade.

Stroud wasn’t the only issue in the Houston Texans’ 32-27 loss against the Tennessee Titans in Week 12, but his two interceptions deep in his own territory didn’t help.

The defense allowed Will Levis to connect on three 60-plus passes, including the game-winning 70-yard score to tight end Chig Okonkwo.

Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a 28-yard chip shot that would have tied that at 30 apiece and forced overtime.

The run game was dormant and the second-half offensive woes were evident. Since Week 6, Houston’s defense has outscored its offense 14-7.

The good news? Houston remains the favorite to win the AFC South. The bad news? A performance like Sunday would likely lead to a quick three-hour blowout against a competitive wild card squad.

Here’s the snap count from Sunday’s outing.

Offensive snaps: 67
Defensive snaps: 56
Special teams snaps: 21

Tank Dell led all targets in snaps with 47 while Nico Collins played in 44, 12 higher than a week ago against the Dallas Cowboys. The 6-foot-4 Pro Bowl target finished with a team-leading five catches for 96 yards and a touchdown.

Joe Mixon was limited to 14 carries, but he played 77% of snaps among running backs. Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale combined for 13 snaps as the No. 2 option.

Defensively, Calen Bullock totaled his fifth straight game with 100% of reps. Jimmie Ward, who picked off Levis for a 67-yard touchdown in the third, split reps at nickel and safety after Jalen Pitre left in the second quarter, finishing 37 plays.

Will Anderson Jr, who missed two games due to an ankle injury suffered in Week 9, played in 32 snaps and recorded two sacks.

The Texans hit the road next week to face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in an AFC South showdown. They are among the final teams with at bye in Week 14.

Kickoff from EverBank Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.

Instant analysis: Texans reach new low in Titans comeback win

The Houston Texans fall to 7-5 on the season after multiple miscues led to a Tennessee Titans victory at NRG Stadium.

The Houston Texans might make the AFC playoffs as the division champions, but that doesn’t make them a contender for a Lombardi Trophy.

C.J. Stroud tossed two interceptions while Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a 28-yard field goal to give the Tennessee Titans a 32-27 victory at NRG Stadium. Houston (7-5) now suffers its first loss in the division for 2024.

Will Levis gave the Texans a chance to take the game back during the fourth quarter when Jimmie Ward intercepted a third-down pass attempt for a 67-yard touchdown return. He redeemed himself with a 70-yard touchdown pass to Chig Okonkwo for a three-point lead.

Levis, a former second-round pick, threw for 278 yards and two touchdown passes while Tony Pollard rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown. Despite a fumble caused by Mario Edwards in the first half, the Texans could never convert.

Stroud, who finished with 247 yards passing yards, started off hot, connecting with Cade Stover for a 14-yard touchdown on the first play of the game. He later found Nico Collins for a 5-yard score to bring the Texans within three.

Fairbairn drilled two field goals earlier in the afternoon before the doink inside Houston territory. Initially, the Texans thought they had a touchdown on a 28-yard grab from Collins, but an illegal motion negated the points.

Houston’s defense forced a three-and-out and even saved a timeout with just over a minute on the clock. Stroud channeled his inner Dan Orlovsky and was sacked by Harold Landry in the end zone for a safety, ending Tennessee’s two-game losing streak.

The Texans have lost four of their last five, including back-to-back games at home.

They hit the road next Sunday to face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars before the bye week in early December.

Titans vs. Texans broadcast map: Will the game be on TV?

Here’s who will be able to watch the Texans take on the Titans in Week 12.

The Houston Texans (7-4) are set to return home to face off against Tennessee Titans (2-8) in Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday, Nov. 24 at noon CT.

The AFC South showdown will be regionally televised on CBS. In-market fans can stream the Texans-Titans game on FuboTV (try it free).

Tom McCarthy (play-by-play), Ross Tucker and Jay Feely (analyst) will call the game for CBS, with Amanda Balionis reporting from the sideline.

On the radio, the game will be nationally broadcast on ESPN Radio and locally available on SportsRadio 610.

Fans in the orange areas on the map below will get the Texans-Titans game on their local CBS channel, according to 506sp

With a victory, Houston would improve to 4-0 in the AFC South division. It also would give the Texans a fourth consecutive win over the Titans, dating back to 2022.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Will Kamari Lassiter play in Week 12?: Update on Texans rookie CB

Texans rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter was dealing with a concussion last week against the Dallas Cowboys but has returned to practice as a full participant.

Last week, the Houston Texans gained back wide receiver Nico Collins and defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. for Monday’s showdown in Arlington against the Dallas Cowboys.

This week, two more names are expected to return.

Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. practiced for the first time since Week 9’s loss against the New York Jets and is expected to play. He’s been dealing with an ankle injury that sidelined him for two games.

What about Kamari Lassiter? Will the rookie be cleared to cover Calvin Ridley as the Tennessee Titans look to end a two-game losing streak?

Here’s an update on the Texans’ rookie defender heading into Sunday’s showdown at NRG Stadium.

Kamari Lassiter injury update

Lassiter, who missed two games earlier in the season with a shoulder injury, left during Week 10’s matchup against the Detroit Lions with a concussion. He returned to practice last Friday but did not play against the Dallas Cowboys on “Monday Night Football” at AT&T Stadium.

A week later, Lassiter was good to go. he was close to returning but hadn’t quite cleared protocol in time for Monday’s showdown. That won’t be the case this week.

Lassiter was a full participant in Friday’s practice and did not carry any injury assignment heading into the weekend, meaning he’s cleared to play when the Titans arrive for an AFC South clash.

Houston’s been keen on protecting its players from returning early. Collins was activated before the Lions game but did not play because the Texans wanted him closer to 100 percent.

Linebacker Henry To’oTo’o suffered a concussion in Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots and was held out for Week 7’s game against the Green Bay Packers for precautionary purposes.

The player might feel content, but the team doesn’t want to risk further injury.

Kamari Lassiter stats

A second-round pick out of Georgia, Lassiter recorded two interceptions last week, including one before halftime. In eight games, he’s collected 29 tackles, eight pass breakups and three interceptions.

Opposing quarterbacks have completed just 16 of 38 passes for 247 yards for a 42.1 completion percentage with two touchdowns allowed. 

Texans CB depth chart

With Stingley and Lassiter both at full potential, here’s the rest of the cornerbacks on the active roster:

  • Ka’dar Hollman
  • Jeff Okudah
  • Kris Boyd

Okudah, who signed a one-year deal this offseason after four years with the Lions and Atlanta Falcons, was designated to return to practice from the injured reserve last week. He was added to the roster on Monday in place of former New England Patriots starter Myles Bryant.

Hollman, 30, started opposite Stingley in Monday’s 34-10 win over the Cowboys. He also started one game last season for the Texans en route to securing a division title behind quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Boyd is best used on special teams.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN and ABC.

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

Here’s the final injury report for Friday’s practice as the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Tennessee Titans.

Here are the full injury reports for the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans ahead of their Week 12 matchup at NRG Stadium:

Tennessee Titans (2-8)

OUT

  • CB L’Jarius Sneed (quad)
  • OT Leroy Watson (back)
  • LB Jack Gibbens (ankle)
  • RB Tyjae Spears (concussion)

QUESTIONABLE

  • CB Roger McCreary (knee)
  • DB Justin Hardee (groin)

ACTIVE

  • DT Sebastian Joseph-Day (biceps)
  • WR Calvin Ridley (illness)
  • LB Kenneth Murray (shoulder)
  • DL Jeffery Simmons (NIR/rest)

Note: Spears practiced on Friday, but Tennessee plans to rest him for one more week. 

Houston Texans (7-4)

OUT

  • DT Folorunso Fatukasi (foot)
  • OT Blake Fisher (concussion)

QUESTIONABLE

  • DE Denico Autry (knee/oblique)

ACTIVE

  • CB Kamari Lassiter (concussion)
  • CB Derek Stingley Jr. (hip)
  • DE Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) 
  • LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee)

Note: Stingley, Anderson, and Al-Shaair all were limited during missed Thursday’s practice.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.

Texans receive best news possible on Will Anderson Jr.’s status for Week 12

Will Anderson Jr. was a full participant during Friday’s practice as the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Tennessee Titans.

Will Anderson Jr. is back. That’s good news for the Houston Texans and bad news for the Tennessee Titans.

The second-year defensive end returned to practice on Wednesday and hasn’t missed a day. He was a full participant during Friday’s walkthrough and is expected to play on Sunday when Tennessee arrives for an AFC South showdown at NRG Stadium.

“We’ve been missing him the past couple of weeks,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Wednesday. “His leadership style, his play style, his demeanor all around. So it’s good to have him back at practice.”

Anderson, the reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Month, left during the first quarter of Week 9’s loss to the New York Jets on “Thursday Night Football” with an ankle injury. While he returned three different times for four plays in the second quarter, Houston elected to rest him for the second half.

He hasn’t played since. The Texans went 1-1 during that span with a comeback loss against the Detroit Lions and a double-digit victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

Fully healthy, he comes back at the right time to help Houston potentially clinch a 5-0 record in the division before the bye week following a showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 1.

“I’m excited to be back,” Anderson told reporters Friday. “Just to be back out there with the guys. I was trying my best to hurry up and get back. I’m good now.”

It’s a long shot, but a surging December could put Anderson back in the running for Defensive Player of the Year recognition. He had 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss through the first nine weeks, both ranking among the top three.

Although the pass rush will welcome Anderson back with open arms, four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter has picked up the slack in the former Defensive Rookie of the Year’s absence.

Hunter, who leads the NFL in pressures and had two sacks in the win over the Cowboys on Monday, is now tied for the team lead in sacks with Anderson.

Houston (7-4) is also expected to be without Denico Autry, who’s missed practice all week with a knee injury suffered in Arlington. Defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi, who missed Monday’s matchup in the Lone Star Showdown, isn’t expected to play because of a knee injury.

The Titans (2-8) have allowed the fifth-most sacks this season with 33. Second-year quarterback Will Levis often holds the ball for too long, leading to the eventual 27 sacks recorded.

Kickoff between the AFC South foes is scheduled for noon CT.

Titans vs. Texans injury report: Latest updates, news for Thursday

Here’s the injury report for Thursday’s practice as the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Tennessee Titans.

Here are the full injury reports for the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans ahead of their Week 12 matchup at NRG Stadium:

Tennessee Titans (2-8)

Did not practice

  • CB L’Jarius Sneed (quad)
  • OT Leroy Watson (back)
  • CB Roger McCreary (knee)
  • LB Jack Gibbens (ankle)
  • DB Justin Hardee (groin)
  • RB Tyjae Spears (concussion)

Limited participation 

N/A

Full practice

  • DT Sebastian Joseph-Day (biceps)
  • WR Calvin Ridley (illness)
  • LB Kenneth Murray (shoulder)
  • DL Jeffery Simmons (NIR/rest)

Note: Simmons, Ridley, Joseph-Day and Murray all missed Wednesday’s practice.

Houston Texans (7-4)

Did not practice

  • DE Denico Autry (knee/oblique)
  • DT Folorunso Fatukasi (foot)
  • OT Blake Fisher (concussion)

Limited participation 

  • LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee)
  • DE Will Anderson Jr. (ankle)
  • CB Derek Stingley Jr. (hip)

Full practice

  • CB Kamari Lassiter (concussion)

Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.