Pitre Reveals 'Biggest Thing' He Learned While Injured

Originally posted on FanNation Texans Daily
By Hunter De Siver | Last updated 9/28/23

Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre returned to practice on Wednesday after being sidelined for two weeks due to a bruised lung. He has also been cleared for Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium.

All the co-captain could do the past couple of weeks was watch his team go to work, and during his time on the sideline, he absorbed a part of the game he wasn't used to.

"The biggest thing I learned is that energy is contagious whether you're playing or not," Pitre said in the locker room after Wednesday's practice. "All I wanted to do was make sure my energy was around the sideline and not be a Debbie-downer because I wasn't playing or a guy that was lackadaisical and not prepared."

The 24-year-old explained that he was "still focused like (he) was going into the game," and now that it's become a reality, he revealed how "excited" he is to play with his teammates again.

"Jimmie (Ward) is a great player and a guy that I look up to, so it's going to be good to go out there and play with him," Pitre said. "Really the whole defense, we look forward to playing on Sundays and going out there as a unit. I'm really grateful that I'm clear now and ready to go."

As the up-and-coming safety continues to evolve, he often stressed the use of patience during training camp and how it enhances his recognition of opposing offenses. He had to master this skill in a different sense while sidelined the past two weeks, but now that he's returned, he's planning on exercising it against the Steelers and their frequent play-action calls.

"Just being aware that there's gonna be some play fakes and things that could catch your eyes, but being disciplined on the things I need to focus on will help execute the game plan," Pitre said.

The Baylor product shined throughout his rookie campaign in 2022, recording the 11th-most tackles (147) and tied for the second-most interceptions (5) in the NFL. If there's anyone on the Texans that could makeup for missed time and replicate their stellar numbers from the previous season, it would be Jalen Pitre.

This article first appeared on FanNation Texans Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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