Chargers Safety Derwin James Jr. to Miss Fourth Straight Game

Derwin James Jr., the Pro Bowl safety for the Los Angeles Chargers, will not play on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. He is missing his fourth consecutive game due to a hamstring injury. The absence leaves the Chargers' defense without its most experienced playmaker as they face a potent opponent at SoFi Stadium.

James has not taken the field since the Chargers lost 24-16 to the Buffalo Bills on September 27. Coach Jim Harbaugh announced earlier this week that James suffered a setback in his recovery. The team is considering placing the five-time Pro Bowl selection on injured reserve, a move that would guarantee him out for at least four more games.

Defensive Coordinator Chris O’Leary acknowledged the difficulty of the situation. He stated, “You can’t replace Derwin, it’s impossible.” O’Leary added that James is one of the best players in the league and that the staff loves him. The defense has struggled to maintain consistency since James stepped away from the lineup.

The Chargers' defensive performance has declined since Jesse Minter left in January to become the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. Minter’s unit ranked first in points allowed in 2024, giving up 17 per game. It ranked ninth last season, allowing 19 points per game. Under O’Leary, the defense ranks 22nd in the 32-team NFL, averaging 25.2 points allowed per game over six games.

The Rams are the league leaders in net yards per game, averaging 399.1. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, the 2025 MVP, is averaging 284.1 passing yards. His total of 1,989 yards in seven games is second in the league, trailing only Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers. Love has thrown for 2,246 yards through eight games.

Tony Jefferson, R.J. Mickens, and rookie Genesis Smith have filled in for James. Smith recorded his first two career interceptions in the loss to the Bills in Week 3. During that game, the defense limited Josh Allen to 204 passing yards. O’Leary said the team has focused on group defense, noting that they are moving personnel around to keep players fresh.

Wide receiver Ladd McConkey may return to the offense if he clears the concussion protocol. He was a full participant in practice this week after being injured in the 22-6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on October 18. Left guard Kayode Awosika is also out for the fifth straight game with a leg injury.

The injury report includes defensive back Deane Leonard, who is dealing with a concussion, and rookie wide receiver Brenen Thompson, who has a quadricep and hamstring issue. Cornerbacks Donte Jackson and Rodney Shelley are listed as questionable. Wide receiver Tre’ Harris, who has 15 catches for 225 yards, was removed from the injury list after dealing with a hamstring issue.

Special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken led a self-evaluation during the bye week. He stated that the unit looks for subtle changes every week rather than drastic wholesale shifts. The Chargers are currently 0-6, with an offense that ranks 32nd in scoring and a team that has committed 15 turnovers, including eight interceptions thrown by Justin Herbert.