An injury to Jalen Pitre has left the Houston Texans in a difficult position, but there are potential solutions. Pitre, one of Houston’s top defenders, exited the Week 12 game against the Tennessee Titans with an injury initially reported as a shoulder issue. It was later confirmed as a pectoral injury, and further reports revealed it’s a partial pectoral tear that will sideline him for several weeks. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Pitre won’t require surgery at the moment, though that could change.
Losing Pitre is a blow to the Texans’ defense. While Jimmie Ward and Calen Bullock are capable safeties, Pitre’s versatility in the slot adds unique value. Ward could potentially shift into Pitre’s role, allowing Eric Murray to fill in at safety. While this arrangement is serviceable, the Texans might explore other options, especially given the injury challenges they’ve faced over the past two seasons.
Two free agents stand out as potential replacements for Pitre:
- Desmond King
The Texans could consider bringing back Desmond King, who was released earlier this month after appearing in just one game during his second stint with Houston. King is currently on the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad and can be signed if added to Houston’s active roster. A fifth-round pick in 2017, King is familiar with the Texans’ system and could provide depth. - Eddie Jackson
Eddie Jackson, an eighth-year veteran, became available after the Ravens added King to their practice squad. Jackson played nine games for Baltimore this season, starting four. Though no longer at his Pro Bowl peak from 2018-2019 with the Chicago Bears, he remains effective. Jackson, who turns 31 in December, could rotate into the lineup and enable Ward to shift into the slot.
The Texans’ injury woes make adding depth a prudent move, and either of these players could provide valuable support during Pitre’s absence.
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