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.
His status for the second half is crucial with the Texans trailing by three. W Although he has faults in coverage, tackling has been a benefactor secondary, espeically when asked to play the run.
Will Jalen Pitre return?
Right now, Pitre is listed as questionable for Houston. The Texans will start the second half on defense, so fans should have a pretty decent indication moving into the third quarter.
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.