The Houston Texans lost one of their key defensive players in Jalen Pitre in Week 1 to a scary injury in a collision against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
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During the opening game for the Texans, Pitre went down after attempting to tackle the Ravens quarterback, with Jackson striking him in the chest with his knee. According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, Pitre suffered a bruised lung in the collision, requiring him to be taken to a local hospital.
#Texans safety Jalen Pitre was taken to a local hospital after suffering a bruised lung when Lamar Jackson’s knee hit his chest during today’s loss to the #Ravens, per sources.
The good news is Pitre should be OK, though he may stay overnight for observation. pic.twitter.com/XG3Vra44pB
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 10, 2023
Pitre stayed at the hospital overnight, but was fortunately released on Monday morning and is reportedly in good spirits, according to Pelissero.
Prior to playing in Houston, Pitre was a star player for the Baylor Bears in the Big 12. He stole the show in his final college season, earning Big 12 Player of the Year and All-American honors in 2022 with 18.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. While he isn't the biggest safety at 5'11" and 198 pounds, Pitre's production and nose for the ball helped him get drafted by the Texans in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The young Texans safety was a key contributor as a rookie in 2022, starting in all 17 regular season games with 147 combined tackles, eight pass breakups, and five interceptions. That production and availability helped Pitre earn All-Rookie Team honors from PFWA, and his teammates recognized his potential this season by naming him a captain heading into 2023.
Expectations were even higher in 2023 for Pitre, and the Texans are hoping his bruised lung won't result in a long-term absence.
