Chargers Could Place Derwin James On IR

When providing an update on James’ status, head coach Jim Harbaugh said (via Eric Smith of the team’s website) a setback has taken place regarding his rehab from his hamstring injury. James may need to moved to injured reserve as a result. An IR stint would ensure at least another four games with the five-time Pro Bowler unavailable.

Out of action since Week 3, James’ absence has been felt on a Chargers defense which ranks 22nd in points allowed per game. Los Angeles has posted a top-10 rating against the pass so far, but a prolonged injury in this case would of course represent a blow to the team’s secondary. On the other hand, a cautious approach would make plenty of sense, particularly considering where things stand this season.

The Bolts are the NFL’s only remaining winless team, and a playoff berth appears to be well out of reach. It remains to be seen how effective first-year offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will be coming out of the bye as he retains play-calling duties moving forward. Regardless of how things play out on that side of the ball, though, attention shifting to the trade deadline and the 2027 draft would come as no surprise in the Chargers’ case.

A number of players are seen as trade candidates for Los Angeles. Pending free agent edge rusher Khalil Mack is a prime target for contending teams, while the possibility of one or more receivers being on the move has been raised. James, 30, was also the subject of a recent prediction that he will be dealt ahead of the November 10 trade deadline. That would come as a surprise given his extension signed this past spring.

That $25.2MM-per-year deal runs through 2029. A midseason acquisition would be challenging from a financial standpoint as a result, while there has not been any indication from the Chargers that they would prefer to trade James. Even if he remains with Los Angeles over the coming weeks, a return to action should not be considered imminent.