NFL Suspends Chargers Pro Bowl Safety Derwin James for One Game

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James has been suspended for one game without pay following repeated violations of the NFL’s rules designed to protect player safety. This announcement was made by the league on Monday.

James’ latest offense occurred during the Chargers’ 20-10 defeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers, specifically in the third quarter. During this play, he lowered his head and made what the NFL classified as “forcible contact” with Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth.

As a result of the incident, James received a penalty for unnecessary roughness. This isn’t the first time he has encountered issues with similar calls; last season, he was flagged for multiple instances of unnecessary roughness.

The NFL’s vice president of football operations, Jon Runyan, addressed James in a letter, highlighting the nature of the infraction. “You had an unobstructed path to your opponent and the illegal contact could have been avoided,” Runyan wrote. “Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated. Substantial penalties are warranted when players violate the rules intended to protect player safety on a repeated basis, particularly when the violations carry with them a significant risk of injury to an opposing player.”

James, a two-time NFL All-Pro and a three-time Pro Bowler, has recorded 21 tackles this season. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated his talent by achieving at least 115 tackles in each of the last three seasons.

He will be eligible to return following the Chargers’ Week 4 match against the Kansas City Chiefs, scheduled for Monday, September 30.

According to a source familiar with the situation, James is expected to appeal the suspension. This individual spoke on the condition of anonymity as they are not authorized to discuss the issue.

The Chargers are already dealing with significant player injuries in their roster. The team’s recent loss to Pittsburgh left them battered, with quarterback Justin Herbert aggravating an ankle injury. In addition, left tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a pectoral injury, rookie right tackle Joe Alt sustained a knee issue, and outside linebacker Joey Bosa is dealing with a hip injury.

With a bye week scheduled for Week 5, the Chargers will be looking to recover and address their injury concerns before facing the Chiefs.

Source: USA Today