Texans safety Jalen Pitre will undergo surgery to repair a partially-torn pectoral, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, ending his 2024 season and depriving Houston of one of their key defensive playmakers as they attempt to win the AFC South.
Pitre started the Texans’ first 12 games this season, but exited the game in Week 12 and did not play the following week. Though he avoided a full pectoral tear, the injury still required corrective surgery with a recovery period that will extend beyond the end of the 2024 season.
Pitre’s injury is a massive loss for the Texans’ defense. Though the 2022 second-round pick hasn’t matched his impressive rookie production of five interceptions and 147 total tackles in either of the last two seasons, he’s still a versatile and valuable playmaker from the slot and the box.
Veteran safety Jimmie Ward took over Pitre’s role in Weeks 12 and 13 and will likely remain there for the rest of the season.
The Texans will also be without the services of starting offensive lineman Juice Scruggs for at least two games, per Wilson. Scruggs injured his foot in Week 13 against the Jaguars, but is not expected to undergo surgery or be placed on injured reserve.
Scruggs began the year as Houston’s center before sliding to left guard to replace Kenyon Green when he landed on IR. Green was designated to return on Monday, so he could move back into his old spot with Scruggs now sidelined. Zachary Thomas also took snaps at left guard in practice this week, so he could start there if Green isn’t healthy enough to play in Week 15.