Texans’ Jalen Pitre Fined $30,800 For Two Unflagged Helmet Violations Against Chargers

Jalen Pitre Fined $30,800 For Two Hits Against Chargers© Instagram

Jalen Pitre's return helped Houston deliver one of its strongest defensive performances of the season against the Chargers. Two tackles from that afternoon have now cost him $30,800.

The NFL fined the Texans defensive back $15,400 apiece for unnecessary roughness involving use of the helmet during Houston's 44–22 victory November 8. Both incidents occurred in the second quarter, and neither drew a penalty. The discipline was announced Saturday, nearly a week after Pitre returned from a shoulder injury to help Houston overwhelm Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium.

Third-Down Stop Among The Two Fined Plays

The first incident came with 8:58 remaining before halftime. On third-and-goal from Houston's eight-yard line, Justin Herbert completed a pass to Tre Harris, whom Pitre tackled for a seven-yard loss.

That stop pushed the Chargers back to the 15 and brought out their field-goal unit. The NFL's subsequent review identified illegal helmet use on the tackle.

Pitre's second fine came from a tackle on tight end Charlie Kolar following a five-yard reception with 25 seconds left in the half. The league's Week 9 disciplinary list records both plays under the same category and assigns the same amount to each.

Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson also received a fine from the game. He was docked $12,537 for striking, kicking or kneeing on a fourth-quarter play involving Texans running back Woody Marks. Jackson's infraction, unlike Pitre's two, was flagged during the game. Pitre's fines remain subject to appeal.

Pitre's Return Had Lifted Houston's Defense

Before Saturday's disciplinary announcement, Houston's assessment of Pitre's comeback had been enthusiastic.

He missed the previous two games with a shoulder injury, then practiced fully throughout the week before facing Los Angeles. DeMeco Ryans singled him out afterward when discussing the physicality of a defense that tied a franchise record with eight sacks.

“Having him back definitely helps our defense out a ton,” Ryans said.

The Texans coach praised Pitre's range and the flexibility his presence gives Houston's defensive calls. The defensive line received a game ball, while Houston also forced two takeaways during a convincing road win.

Pitre's tackle behind the line against Harris was part of that aggressive performance. It ended a scoring opportunity short of the goal line, but the contact itself failed the league's review.

The two fines were Pitre's first of the season. They also ended a stretch without a fine dating to January 2024, according to Battle Red Blog.