In Week 6, the Jacksonville Jaguars will face a motivated Houston Texans team that is trying to stay in the thick of the AFC South race. With a win, the Jags could virtually stick a fork in their division rival, but it won't be easy.
C.J. Stroud is playing as well as any other quarterback. On top of that, he just got a new weapon in wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., whom Houston just traded for after its win over the hapless Tennessee Titans in Week 6.
That said, the latest Jalen Pitre injury update could also give the Jacksonville offense a break in the London game.
The Jaguars may not have to deal with Jalen Pitre when they play the Texans
Jalen Pitre sustained a shoulder injury in the win over Tennessee. A couple days later, Tom Pelissero of Netflix reported that he suffered an AC joint sprain and is week-to-week. That's great news for the Texans, as they'll get him back at some point of the season.
That said, Pitre's availability for Week 6 is in question. If he doesn't suit up, the Jags will get a bit of a break.
A second-round pick in 2022, Pitre has become a staple of the Houston defense for his ability to line up at safety and nickel. Of course, the Texans would still have plenty of talent on defense even if he doesn't play. Aside from the fearsome pass-rush tandem of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, Houston also has linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and a pair of top-notch corners in Kamari Lassiter and Derek Stingley Jr.
Simply put, the Jags would get a bit of an edge but would still have a tough matchup in London.
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The Jaguars have the talent to beat the Texans with or without Jalen Pitre
Working in the Jaguars' favor is that the Texans' defense isn't nearly as dominant as it was last year. Heading into Week 6, the unit ranks 14th in points allowed and 19th in total yards surrendered. And without Jalen Pitre, Houston may be vulnerable.
Having said that, Pitre's potential absence will be moot if Jacksonville doesn't take advantage of it. The Eagles were dealing with a myriad of injuries and still had the Jags against the ropes for a good chunk of the game. When you factor in that divisional matchups are always tough, they'll have their work cut out.
The good news is that Jacksonville has the firepower to put points on the scoreboard. Trevor Lawrence is playing like a top-10 quarterback five games into the season, and Parker Washington is quickly emerging as one of the most electrifying receivers in the NFL. On top of that, rookie Josh Cameron, tight end Brenton Strange, and wide receiver Jakobi Meyer give No. 16 a trio of reliable targets.
The bottom line is whether Jalen Pitre plays, the Jaguars cannot take their foot off the gas pendal until they build a comfortable lead. Then again, not having to deal with him would most definitely give them a bit of a break.
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