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.
Texans safety Jalen Pitre is set to undergo season-ending surgery, according to @AaronWilson_NFL
Huge blow to the defense. pic.twitter.com/QbXdTBJt0o
— Nick Schwager (@NickSchwagerNFL) December 11, 2024
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.”
Can confirm that #Texans safety/nickel Jalen Pitre will have season-ending surgery on his pec, and will miss the rest of the season. Devastating blow for the Texans.
Pitre was having a big year for them. DeMeco Ryans called it a “gut-punch.”
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) December 11, 2024
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.
