The NFL season has yet to begin and the Chargers have once again lost another key player. While just a couple days ago it was reported that the offense could be without Mike Williams to start the season, the defense may have suffered an even bigger blow.
During the team’s practice on Sunday safety, Derwin James suffered what is believed to be a meniscus injury.
#Chargers star safety Derwin James is likely to miss significant time with a meniscus injury he suffered during today’s practice, I’m told. James was expected to be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate and will now have to wait and see when he will be back on the field.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2020
James who was expected to be an integral part of the Chargers’ defense this year as well as a possible Defensive Player of the Year candidate should miss significant time if it is indeed a meniscus injury. August sure isn’t his month as he fractured his foot last year that kept him off the field until Week 13.
It’s a big disappointment for Chargers fans as they have been waiting to see James blossom into the player emerge in 2018. During his rookie season, he earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors thanks to his team-leading tackles (105), 3.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 15 pass breakups.
The loss of James marks the second safety that the Chargers will begin the season without as fellow teammate Roderic Teamer was suspended by the league last month. While it may open up more playing time for rookie Alohi Gilman and second year player Nasir Adderley, the loss of Teamer and now James puts the Chargers in a tough spot without much quality depth.
