The Los Angeles Chargers will be without another player in Week 4 after safety Derwin James was suspended for a repeat infraction. The Rams aren’t the only Los Angeles team experiencing difficulties. The Chargers, SoFi Stadium’s other tenant, are missing another player as they prepare for their Week 3 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It began in Week 2 with quarterback Justin Herbert suffering a high ankle sprain, which was then tweaked again in Week 3. In Week 3, the Chargers lost both rookie tackles, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, due to injuries. The Chargers will now be without a defensive cornerstone owing to a suspension.
Safety Derwin James will be suspended without pay for Week 3 due to “repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players.” James repeatedly lowered his head when tackling. The notification from Jon Runyan, vice president of football operations, included a video of James making “illegal forcible contact” and stated that the play should have been avoided.
The play cited in the notice occurred when James came in to tackle Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth after he caught a pass downfield.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirmed on X that James will fight the punishment. If the suspension is sustained, James will be eligible to rejoin the squad on September 30 during the club’s bye week.
So far this season, James has made 15 solo tackles, six assisted tackles, and one sack. While the tackle in question may appear to be a “football play,” it is vital to remember that James has demonstrated this conduct on numerous occasions. In 2022, James was kicked out of a game for excessive roughness. He was also penalized $43,710 for leading the league in unnecessary roughness penalties (four) over the first ten games of the 2023 season.
James’ hit was not the only one that resulted in a fine. NFL fans were quick to point out another heinous hit that occurred during Week 3. During the Saints-Eagles game, Saints defensive end Khristian Boyd came from behind and delivered a vicious blow on Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith. Smith’s helmet was knocked off during the event, and he remained down for several minutes after the hit. Smith has a concussion, according to reports released earlier today. Boyd has not been fined or suspended.
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