Jalen

Pitre

Pitre suffered a bruised lung in the Texans’ Week 1 game against the Ravens and has been out since. With CB Derek Stingley out, the Texans secondary is going to need Pitre back to boost the defense. A limited practice is good news for his Week 4 return.

Pitre suffered a bruised lung in Week 1’s loss to the Ravens and has been sidelined ever since. The former second-round pick’s return will be a welcomed one by a Texans defense that ranks 21st in points allowed, but 16th in total yards allowed. We’ll see how Pitre fares in practice throughout the week, but it sounds like there’s a good chance he’ll play in Week 4 against the Steelers.

Pitre was injured in the Texans’ season opener against the Ravens and is now slated to miss his second-consecutive game. The start safety was replayed by M.J. Stewart and DeAndre Houston-Carson last week, as the two figure to both see action again this week. The Texans also ruled out LB Denzel Perryman (hand/wrist) and CB Derek Stingley (hamstring).

Safety Jalen Pitre (bruised lung) is also expected to miss Week 2. Down multiple players in the secondary, Houston’s defense is an increasingly appealing matchup for Indianapolis. Anthony Richardson is an unquestioned QB1 heading into his second NFL game.

Pitre left in the first-half of Sunday’s game and did not return to the field. It was later revealed that the second-year safety was sent to the hospital after Lamar Jackson’s knee collided with him on a play, and he was later diagnosed with a bruised lung. Per Texans beat writer Aaron Wilson, Pitre was reportedly coughing up blood, and was transported to shock trauma at halftime. He spent the night in the hospital for overnight observation. Pitre’s status will be one to monitor heading into Week 2 against the Colts, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him sit out a week while he recovers.

Pitre exited in the first-half of Sunday’s matchup against the Ravens and was ruled out at the start of the second-half. The second-year safety is fresh off a rookie season in which he totaled five interception and would be a major loss for the Texans if he were to miss additional time.

Pitre (6'0/197) has quickly become a prospect to watch for this season and has been one that has caught attention for his high level of play. According to Pro Football Focus, has allowed the second-fewest yards in coverage since 2020 with a minimum of 400 coverage snaps (253). That puts him behind only Trent McDuffie (163). Expect Pitre to be an appealing player to teams at the next level with his versatility as he’s shown the ability to play safety, in the box and as a nickel corner.

Originally a linebacker, Pitre (5’11/198) emerged after he switched to “Star” defender under new Baylor HC Dave Aranda, recording 60 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions that he returned for touchdowns, and two PBUs. He continued the upward trend last season when he led all defensive backs with 25 QB pressures, the highest number for any DB since 2014. Pitre lined up in the box or slot most of the time to take advantage of his versatility and ability to step up and make physical plays near the line. A cerebral player with elite recognition skills, Pitre blanketed opposing wideouts during Senior Bowl practices and was named the National Team Player of the Week at the safety position. A versatile, hybrid-style defender with a downhill style of play, Pitre compares himself to Cardinals All-Pro safety Budda Baker.

Technically listed as a safety, Pitre provides the versatility to play in the box and as a nickel corner. He plays well at every position as he smothers any receiver, but can also move up and shut down the run. His 92.9 Run Defense Grade is the second-best amongst FBS cornerbacks since 2020. We are seeing him projected as a late first-round pick and could be a great pick for any team that has a need for a defensive back.

The Baylor defense was one of the best in college football last season and Pitre (6'0/197) was one of the main reasons why. Over the last two seasons, he compiled PFF grades of 88.6 and 82.7. While he hasn’t played a lot of two-high in Waco, Renner notes that playing in the slot is now a full-time position in the NFL. His versatility will help him thrive early and often in the league.