Derwin James Jr. Fantasy Stats

ESPN's Kris Rhim writes that Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr., who is coming off back-to-back All-Pro seasons, will "almost certainly want a new deal before training camp starts." A deal will likely get done for a player who turns 30 in August and is heading into the final season of a four-year contract extension that made him the highest-paid safety in league history in 2022. James was a hold-in during training camp the last time he was eligible for an extension. The Chargers might have to make him the highest-paid safety in history again, or at least close, after Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton set the new mark with a four-year, $100.4 million deal in 2025. It remains to be seen if general manager Joe Hortiz is willing to give Hames that kind of money. The 29-year-old finished as the No. 20 fantasy defensive back in IDP leagues last year with 94 tackles (50 solo), two sacks, six tackles for loss, eight QB hits, a career-high three interceptions, seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 16 regular-season starts.

Los Angeles Chargers outside linebackers Khalil Mack (groin), Joey Bosa (hip), and safety Derwin James Jr. (groin) were all listed as limited practice participants for the second straight day on Friday. Bosa and Mack were both on the team's Week 11 injury report. While the former suited up for LA's victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the latter did not and only played four snaps the week prior. James Jr., however, is a new addition to this week's injury report after playing 100% of the team's defensive snaps for the seventh time this season. They'll each have another opportunity to elevate their practice participation before the Chargers must designate their status ahead of the Har-bowl (their matchup against the Baltimore Ravens). With five total defensive players currently on their injury report, Los Angeles could be heading into the battle of the brothers short-staffed. Keep an eye on them over the next 24 hours.

The Los Angeles Chargers will be without star safety Derwin James when they face Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5. The NFL announced that hearing officer Derrick Brooks, appointed by the NFL and NFLPA, upheld James' one-game suspension without pay due to "repeated violations of playing rules aimed at protecting player health and safety," including an incident during Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. James received a penalty for unnecessary roughness after delivering a head hit to Pat Freiermuth in the Chargers' 20-10 loss to Pittsburgh. Over his last 18 games, he has accumulated five unnecessary roughness penalties, the highest total among defensive players in the league, all involving head contact using his shoulder or helmet. A three-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection, James has registered 21 combined tackles and one sack in three games this season. Last year, he was fined $91,027 by the NFL for similar unnecessary roughness penalties and hits on defenseless players. With the Chargers missing one of their top defensive assets, all Chiefs playmakers should see a boost in value.

The NFL suspended Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. for one game on Monday for repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players, including during the Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's not ideal in any situation for the Bolts defense to lose one of their best playmakers, but it comes at an inopportune time with the team facing the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4. However, the 28-year-old defensive back is expected to appeal the ruling. If the suspension holds up, James won't be able to return to action until Oct. 13 versus the division-rival Denver Broncos following LA's Week 5 bye. Fantasy managers must have a backup plan in place for their starting DB spot this week if James' suspension holds up. The three-time Pro Bowler has 21 tackles (15 solo) already through three games while also recording a sack.

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James (ankle) is officially active for Week 7 versus the Kansas City Chiefs. He had been listed as questionable but will ultimately suit up despite missing practice on Friday. The star safety's presence will give the Chargers a huge boost as they look to slow down Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and company.

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James (ankle) is expected to be a true game-time decision ahead of Week 7 versus the Kansas City Chiefs, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. James missed practiced Friday, was listed as questionable, and will undergo a pregame workout to determine whether he can play Sunday. His presence would be huge for the Chargers as they take on Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the Chiefs.

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James (hamstring) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He injured himself in Week 3 versus Minnesota and had been listed as doubtful heading into this weekend's west-coast clash. With James sidelined, Raheem Layne should start at safety against a Raiders squad led by rookie Aidan O'Connell.

Los Angeles Chargers star free safety Derwin James (hamstring) was unable to practice all week and is doubtful to suit up this Sunday for a Week 4 matchup against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. The Bolts defense could be quite short-handed this weekend, with star pass-rusher Joey Bosa (hamstring, toe) and safety Alohi Gilman (heel) questionable and cornerback Deane Leonard (hamstring) and safety JT Woods already ruled out. Despite the injuries, the Chargers defense could catch a break if Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo doesn't clear the NFL's concussion protocol. At best, the Chargers D is a streaming option in fantasy leagues, but if Jimmy G is ruled out, they'll become much more attractive.

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (hamstring) was injured on Sunday during the narrow win over the Vikings. He tweaked his hamstring, sitting out the fourth quarter as a result. While the 27-year-old downplayed the injury, he'll undergo an MRI on Monday. James, who entered Week 3 with a team-high 17 total tackles, should be considered day-to-day ahead of the Week 4 matchup with Vegas.

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James (concussion) has been ruled out for Week 17 against the Los Angeles Rams. James suffered a concussion in the Monday night win over the Indianapolis Colts on the same play in which he was ejected for a hit on receiver Ashton Dulin. The 26-year-old safety won't be suspended for the play, but he could miss the final two regular season games as the Bolts look to get their squad healthy for the postseason. It's a significant development for fantasy managers in IDP leagues that are playing for a championship this week, as James has been the No. 5 fantasy safety in 2022 based on overall points. The good news for the Chargers is they appear to be getting pass-rusher Joey Bosa (groin) back for the first time since Week 3. Alohi Gilman should start in James' play on Sunday.