Tuli Tuipulotu Fantasy Stats

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James (coach's decision) and defensive end Tuli Tuipulotu (coach's decision) are inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Denver Broncos. Both players are healthy scratches after they didn't carry an injury designation into this weekend. The Bolts are resting several key starters on both sides of the play since they're guaranteed to finish with the fifth, sixth, or seventh seed in the AFC. James finishes his regular season with 94 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions, and one forced fumble through 16 games. With Elijah Molden (hamstring) also inactive, RJ Mickens and Tony Jefferson should earn more defensive snaps in James' absence. Meanwhile, Tuipulotu finishes with 45 tackles, 13 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery over 16 contests. Bud Dupree, Odafe Oweh, and Kyle Kennard will work to fill his void on Sunday.

Los Angeles Chargers rookie edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu has the clearest pathway to significant playing time as a rookie on the Chargers' roster. He is immediately the third edge rusher on the roster behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, which should pencil him in for around 25 snaps per game. The Chargers think Tuipulotu has the ability to rush from the interior on obvious passing downs, and we could see some packages with Bosa, Mack and Tuipulotu all on the field at the same time. Head coach Brandon Staley has touted the 20-year-old as a "point-of-attack" player, meaning the Bolts will feel comfortable playing him on early downs in their run fronts as well.