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UPDATE Wednesday 11:06 a.m.: The Chargers announced James underwent surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee. He has been placed on injured reserve and the plan is for him to be ready for the start of the 2021 season.
Derwin James Injury Update:
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) September 2, 2020
Derwin James underwent successful surgery yesterday to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee.
James is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of the 2021 season.
He will be placed on Injured Reserve.
The Los Angeles Chargers suffered a significant loss on Sunday. Safety Derwin James injured his knee and surgery will cost him six to eight months, according to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport. This kind of timeline will land him on injured reserve and end his season before it can begin.
James was impressive as a rookie in 2018, but has struggled to stay healthy since then. He appeared in only five games last season due to a foot injury, and now seems set to miss the entire season. He was looking like he might develop into one of the better safeties in the NFL, but that development is taking a huge hit.
Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn indicated the team is not going to reach out to free agent Earl Thomas because of the team’s considerable depth. That being said, you can never have enough secondary depth in this league, and losing James is a huge blow.
As Bolts From The Blue noted in the above piece, Desmond King could get some of James’ work, and Rayshawn Jenkins could compete for a chance there as well.