Both Texans starting safeties are in danger of missing Week 2 Vs the Colts

Two of the Houston Texans most proven defenders missed the team's Thursday practice ahead of their matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reported that both Texans starting safeties did not practice Thursday. Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward both have key roles in the Texans defense. Ward is the most familiar […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer

Sep 14, 2023 12:27 PM EDT

Aug 27, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Desmond King II (0) and safety Jimmie Ward (1) and safety Jalen Pitre (5) look on during pregame against the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome.

Two of the Houston Texans most proven defenders missed the team's Thursday practice ahead of their matchup with the Indianapolis Colts.

Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reported that both Texans starting safeties did not practice Thursday.

#Texans safeties Jalen Pitre (bruised lung) and Jimmie Ward (hip) not practicing @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 14, 2023

Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward both have key roles in the Texans defense. Ward is the most familiar player on the Texans with head coach Demeco Ryans' defense from their time together with the San Francisco 49ers. And Pitre is an up-and-coming safety in the NFL who continues to shine two years into this career.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen didn't open up the deep ball element of his offense in Week 1. They focused on one of Anthony Richardson's college flaws, the short game. If Houston is down both safeties for their matchup this week, I'd expect the team to attack that area of the field more consistently and force the Texans depth safties to make a play.