Tag: Derwin James Chargers

Chargers’ Derwin James Jr. suspended 1 game for helmet-to-helmet collision

Chargers star Derwin James has been suspended 1 game for a helmet-to-helmet hit in Week 3. As expected, the safety will appeal the ruling.

Chargers star safety Derwin James’ physicality was on full display on Sunday against the Steelers. Unfortunately, it was a bit too much for the NFL’s liking. James was penalized for unnecessary roughness amidst the Chargers’ loss to the Steelers for a hit on tight end Pat Freiermuth.

On Monday, the league escalated the situation and suspended James for one game without pay for repeatedly violating player safety rules. The 15-yard penalty was one of several costly second-half flags from the Chargers, which the players discussed after the game.

The three-time Pro Bowler has become one of the hardest hitters in the NFL, but the league has tightened up on these plays. Freiermuth has dealt with several concussions in his young career, and the hit was a direct risk to another one.

The ruling shows how much the league has changed over the last 10 years. They’ve made it a point of emphasis to prioritize player safety, and rightfully so. Unfortunately, though, a lot of the physicality in the game has been eliminated.

The suspension sends a clear message to the rest of the league for the 2024 season. In an official statement, NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan mentioned James “lowered his head and made forcible contact with his helmet against an opponent.”

As expected, James will appeal the league’s ruling. After all of the injuries the Chargers sustained on Sunday, this is the last bit of news that they needed. If and when James does miss a game, it will be a huge loss.

Through three weeks, James has been elite in defending the run. He’s been a vital part of the defense turning things around in Los Angeles. Most importantly, James has been able to stay healthy so far this season. We’ll see if the league overturns its ruling, but based on the official statement, that seems unlikely.

Derwin James’ return a big boost for Chargers

The Chargers’ recent defensive struggles can be contributed to the absence of Derwin James.

After a disappointing loss to the Texans, the Chargers need to bounce back against the Broncos this Sunday.

Derwin James, who was cleared to play, is a pivotal player who should boost the Bolts’ chances to come out on top and stay alive in the playoff race.

James has been dealing with a hamstring injury that kept him out of Week 14 against the Giants, limited him in the Week 15 matchup against the Chiefs early, and miss last weekend’s contest against Houston. 

Earlier this week, defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill spoke on the importance of James’ presence. 

“It’s definitely hard to replace when Derwin’s not out there,” Hill said. “He’s obviously the vocal leader, as well as the alpha guy in the huddle. His presence was definitely missed last week. When that happens, you’re so used to going through the whole season and having him there, it’s kind of like, ‘Who’s the next guy to step up and take that on?’ 

It’s hard to replace a guy like that. That’s what he brings. He brings that presence. He’s that vocal leader. I think he has a good sense of when things aren’t going right and when he does need to pick those guys up. It definitely expresses itself when he’s in there and it is definitely felt when he’s not in there.”

Los Angeles has struggled to find competency on the defensive side of the ball in prior weeks, and one of the primary factors is that they didn’t have the do-it-all defender, making plays in coverage, against the run, and as a pass rusher.

Along with James, the Chargers will have Chris Harris Jr., Michael Davis, Nasir Adderley, and Alohi Gilman available, as they were removed from the COVID-19 list.

In 13 games, James, who was named to the Pro Bowl, has 103 tackles, five tackles for loss, five passes defended, two sacks, and a pair of interceptions.

Chargers’ Derwin James still expected to play this season

Despite the slim playoff chances, Derwin James is still expected to play this season.

The Chargers dropped to 4-7 after losing to the Chiefs on Monday night, which nearly closed their playoff window.

With the chances of Los Angeles playing in January being slim, there are a lot of people wondering if it would still be worth bringing safety Derwin James back into the mix as opposed to letting him rest.

On Tuesday, coach Anthony Lynn assured that James is still in the team’s plans, and will play when he is medically cleared no matter what the team’s record suggests.

“If we got healthy players as good as DJ, if he can play, he’s gonna play. We’re not tanking, guys. We’re 4-7. Last time I checked, we have five games left,” Lynn said, per Orange County Register’s Gilbert Manzano.

James hasn’t played this season as he has used that time recovering from a foot injury that he sustained back in August, weeks before the season opener. James has been doing speed and agility drills the past couple of weeks, as he prepares to return.

“I’m feeling well, feeling better, getting better every day. Just taking it day-by-day. It’s real close, real soon. I can say that. So just taking it day-by-day. Working hard to get back out there,” James told NFL Total Access’ Lindsay Rhodes.

James was asked whether he expects to be back for Los Angeles’ Week 13 matchup against the Broncos, and he responded with a smile, “Stay tuned.”

James and his teammate Adrian Phillips, who injured his forearm in September, will look to return after the bye week.

Their presence will add a huge boost to a defense that already ranks near the top of the league. But it’s uncertain if it’s enough to get the whole team to the playoffs based on their current standing.

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