Chargers activate safety Derwin James from IR

The Los Angeles Chargers face a major uphill climb to get back into the playoff race, but they’re getting some reinforcements down the stretch.

Safety Derwin James, who has missed the entire season with a foot injury, has been activated from injured reserve and appears set to return to action.

Reinforcements on the way: The #Chargers have activated star safety Derwin James, as well as Adrian Phillips. If they are going to make a run, these dudes will help.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 30, 2019

James was an All-Pro as a rookie in 2018, so his loss was significant. He racked up 105 tackles and 3.5 sacks, and the Los Angeles defense has not looked the same without him. The good news is this should close the book on an injury he suffered back in college.

The Chargers have games against all three division rivals, but two of them are on the road. They can’t really afford to lose again if they want to keep their faint playoff hopes alive.