Chargers Safety Derwin James Suspended One Game for Helmet-to-Helmet Hit

Chargers safety Derwin James has been suspended for one game without pay for “repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players,” the NFL announced on Monday.

The suspension stems from a play during the Chargers’ 20-10 loss to the Steelers on Sunday, where James made hard contact with Pittsburgh tight end Pat Freiermuth with his helmet, resulting in a penalty for unnecessary roughness.

While the initial penalty was given on the field, the NFL decided to escalate the punishment with a one-game suspension.

NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan released a strongly worded statement condemning James’ actions.

“During the third quarter of Sunday’s Chargers-Steelers game you were involved in a play that the League considers a serious violation of the playing rules,” Runyan said. “The video of the play shows that you lowered your head and made forcible contact to Steelers tight end, Pat Freiermuth. You had an unobstructed path to your opponent and the illegal contact could have been avoided.”

Runyan continued, “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.”

This is the first suspension of James’ career, and NFL Network reported that the safety will appeal the decision.

If the suspension is upheld, James would miss the Chargers’ Week 4 matchup against the Chiefs and would be ineligible to return until September 30th.

This suspension adds to a growing list of concerns for the Chargers, who are already dealing with several injuries, potentially including quarterback Justin Herbert.

James is coming off a stellar season where he recorded a career-high 125 tackles, two sacks, an interception, and seven passes deflected.