It\u2019s never a good sign when players get hurt one after another at the same position. The Texans strength this season has been their secondary, where they have two of the top 10 leaders in interceptions. Kamari Lassiter leads all CBs in tackles\u2026 and that\u2019s not because opposing QBs are throwing at him. They are seventh in coverage grade according to PFF and have 20 pass breakups on the season.<\/p>\n
The defense works because the Texans coverage is so dominant that Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. have enough time to get to the QB. Unfortunately, the mounting injuries to the secondary are thinning out this group heading into the back half of the season.<\/p>\n
Just this past Sunday, the Houston Texans lost starting safety M.J. Stewart for the season due to a quad injury. He was put into an air cast and carted off mid-game. Stewart took over the starting role for C.J. Gardner-Johnson after his departure in Week 3<\/a>.<\/p>\n Speaking of CJGJ, he was bestowed the starting safety role after the Texans traded OG Kenyon Green to the Eagles <\/a>to acquire him. That only lasted three weeks until the Texans and the veteran safety mutually decided to part ways. After a string of signings and releases, he\u2019s now making game-winning plays<\/a> for the Chicago Bears. At least he\u2019s happy\u2026<\/p>\n Next, Jalen Pitre entered concussion protocol and missed last week\u2019s matchup against the Jaguars. Pitre is so valuable to the defense, they chose to run an entirely different scheme last week. His status is unclear heading into an important matchup against the Tennessee Titans. And before you think \u201coh, he should just sit out that game\u2026 the Titans are terrible\u201d, the Titans were 2-8 last year when they cruised to a 32-27 victory over Houston in NRG (I was there). Pitre is the cog that makes the system go and will be desperately needed to guard tight end Chig Okonkwo<\/a>, who leads the Titans in receptions.<\/p>\n Rookie Jaylin Smith suffered a string of injuries this season and landed on IR last week. It\u2019s a disappointing start to his NFL career as Smith was slated to be the perennial backup and CB3 for the team. He only played in four games this year and recorded six tackles.<\/p>\n So who is up next? As of now, Myles Bryant will shift roles to play the second safety position. The Texans do have several options on practice squad. D\u2019Angelo Ross is well accustomed to playing in Houston and started two games last season in place of injured Kamari Lassiter. Ross has spent the past three seasons in Houston.<\/p>\n Jimmie Ward is the Monopoly Card in this deck (Catan reference). Ward is still recovering from offseason foot surgery and his domestic violence case has been dismissed. DeMeco Ryans reported he could return to practice \u201cin a few weeks\u201d on November 3rd. He sits on the Physically Unable to Play (PUP) List <\/a>right now and has not been active since the Kansas City Chiefs game in Week 16 last year. The 34 year old is Houston\u2019s best chance at a decent secondary option if he can return to form.<\/p>\n Jalen Mills is the also an option as a seasoned veteran. A career starter from 2016 – 2023, but has diminished in role and performance since then. He suited up this season against the Ravens in Week 5, but has been on the practice squad ever since. He plays safety now, but spent his career at CB for Philadelphia, New England, and the New York Jets.<\/p>\n A break glass option can also be undrafted rookie Alijah Huzzie from UNC. Huzzie plays nickel CB and dime CB due to his small stature. He is a perfect fit for the gritty play-style DeMeco Ryans prefers from this defensive backs. He was recently removed from the Non-Football Injury list (NFI) and moved to the practice squad. Although Huzzie went undrafted, multiple teams had fourth-round grades on the cornerback. Depending on his health, and knowledge of the defense, he could provide needed depth and high upside.<\/p>\n