Chester

Pitts

Pitts also received a call from the Vikings recently, checking on his status. He estimates that his knee is about “85 percent” and hopes to resume football activities by late June. A signing is unlikely until just before training camp.

Pitts has already visited the Lions, 49ers, and Seahawks, and now the Vikings and Eagles have called to express interest. The Lions, 49ers, and Seahawks have since addressed their weakness at guard. The Vikings are probably his best bet considering their interior run-blocking woes last season.

Pitts says he retired at the end of the 2010 season, but he never made a public announcement. Pitts was a member of the Texans’ first draft class, and was a 16-game starter from 2002-08. He last played for the Seahawks in 2010.

Pitts, who is the only Texans player to play in each of the franchise’s games, will get a signing bonus of $7.4 million.

Pitts goes up against DE Dwight Freeney Sunday, so he might suddenly not be playing so well there.

Houston needs its 320-pound guard to help offset DT Albert Haynesworth. Haynesworth will likely be doubled by Pitts and C Mike Flanagan all game.

Police say Pitts was stopped at a traffic light after making an illegal turn and originally cooperated, but took off when the trooper approached another vehicle. Pitts was supposed to be Houston’s match for Titans DT Albert Haynesworth, so if he is out Sunday, the loss would be significant.

The dominating guard was pulled over for an illegal turn, but reportedly fled after initially speaking to police. Pitts has maintained that the entire situation was a misunderstanding, and the grand jury’s decision should be enough for him to avoid a league suspension.