Los Angeles Chargers will be forced to enter the 2019 NFL season without one of their Pro Bowlers. The team announced on Thursday that they will place safety Derwin James on Injured Reserve ahead of their season opener against Indianapolis Colts.
James suffered a foot fracture last week and had to undergo a surgery which will reportedly sideline him for at least three months. If this timeline turns out to be correct, he should return to action at some point in November. This also coincides with his eligibility to be activated from Injured Reserve.
When a player is placed on IR, he can’t return to the active roster until after Week 8. Chargers play their Week 9 game on November 3rd, meaning they will be able to play James if he is fully recovered by then.
Derwin James entered the league in 2018 when Chargers took him 17th overall in the NFL Draft. He immediately made a significant impact on the team’s defense, recording 105 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions, and 13 passes defended while starting all 16 games.
James’ productive rookie season brought him Pro Bowl and PFWA All-Rookie Team selections while he also received All-Pro honors.
