Jalen Pitre's injury gives Jaguars a favorable matchup vs. Texans in Week 13

The 2-9 Jacksonville Jaguars will need all the help they get and any edge, as slight as it may be, in Week 13 if they want to upset the division foe Houston Texans. Heading into the game, they just got one when the news broke that defensive back Jalen Pitre will miss several weeks with a pec injury.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reported that Pitre suffered a pectoral injury in Week 12 that will force him to sit out several games. A second-round pick in 2022, the former Baylor Bear is listed as a safety but has mostly lined up in the slot this season, registering 65 total tackles, eight passes defensed, and one interception in 2024.

Before getting hurt, Pitre was having a breakout season. Although he registered five picks as a rookie, he was inconsistent in coverage and routinely gave up big plays. He wasn't much better last year, something he recognized in the offseason. The Stafford, Texas native vowed to get better, and true to his word, he posted a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 73.9 in 2024.

With Pitre out, the Texans will lean on Jimmy Ward to man the slot. The veteran defender mostly lines up at safety but has experience lining up at nickel. When Pitre left the Week 12 game, Ward stepped in his place.

The Jaguars must take advantage of Jalen Pitre's absence in Week 13

The Houston Texans are still at the top of the AFC South but are currently riding a funk, having lost four of their last six games. They just fell to the Tennessee Titans in Week 12, and are as vulnerable as they can be at this point of the season. That's an opportunity the Jacksonville Jaguars cannot afford to put to waste.

The Jags should be fresh coming off their Bye. They previously had Tenessee against the ropes in Week 4 but ultimately came up short because of self-inflicted wounds. In Week 13, they'll have an opportunity to get payback, and they may have Trevor Lawrence back, which would increase their odds of pulling off the upset.

Lawrence is dealing with a shoulder sprain. He's missed the last two games but had an extra week of rest and came back to practice Monday. Head coach Doug Pederson it's too early to tell if he'll play but his return to practice is a positive sign. If No. 16 does play against Houston, he must take advantage of Jalen Pitre's absence.

Jimmy Ward is an accomplished defender, but he's a better fit at safety. Lawrence must exploit the matchup and target slot receiver Parker Washington and tight end Evan Engram early and often. Of course, the offensive line must do a good job of protecting the fourth-year quarterback, and the defense must force a few stops.

That said, not having to deal with Jalen Pitre gives the Jaguars a bit of a break, one they must embrace if they want to win their third game of the season in Week 13.

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