Chargers Dealt Terrible News as Derwin James Expected to Miss 'Significant' Time
By Michael Luciano
The lynchpin of an incredibly talented Chargers defense is going to be out for a large chunk of the regular season.
Second-year safety Derwin James, who was named a First-Team All-Pro selection in his rookie season, was spotting in a walking boot at Chargers practice and will reportedly miss "significant" time.
The #Chargers suffered a tough loss yesterday in practice. Sources say star safety Derwin James will be out a significant amount of time, but how much is still undetermined, as of now. He injured his foot yesterday and was spotted in a boot today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 16, 2019
After being selected 17th overall in the 2018 draft out of Florida State, James established himself as one of the most talented and versatile defenders in football, lining up everywhere from safety to outside cornerback, slot corner, linebacker, and even defensive line as a pass rusher.
#Chargers announce that safety Derwin James has wa stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal of his right foot. No timetable on a return. He will continue to be evaluated, and the course of treatment is still to be determined.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) August 16, 2019
James recorded 105 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions during his first season in Los Angeles.
To make matters worse, 2018 fourth-round pick Kyzir White, who is another hybrid linebacker/safety, and 2019 second-round pick Nasir Adderley are also not practicing today, leaving special teams ace Adrian Phillips to handle safety duties.
Along with Derwin James, Chargers not practicing include Keenan Allen, Thomas Davis, Kyzir White, Nas Adderley, Blake Camper.
— Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams) August 16, 2019
It goes without saying that losing James would be a crushing blow for this Chargers team. It feels like the Bolts are dealing with some sort of team-altering injury every year before the season starts and they can't seem to shake the unlucky trend.