The Los Angeles Chargers will likely be without one of the most important pieces of their defense at the start of the regular season, as safety Derwin James suffered a foot injury during practice this week.
James sat out practice on Friday and was spotted with a boot on his right ankle. While the exact extent of the injury is unknown, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that it will cost him “significant” time.
The #Chargers suffered a tough loss yesterday in practice. Sources say star safety Derwin James will be out a significant amount of time, but how much is still undetermined, as of now. He injured his foot yesterday and was spotted in a boot today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 16, 2019
That makes it seem like James will not be available when the Chargers face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1, which is now just three weeks away.
James, the Chargers’ first-round pick last year, had a great rookie season. He recorded 105 total tackles and 3.5 sacks and was named to the Pro Bowl. It goes without saying that LA needs him back as quickly as possible.
