Chargers Place Pro Bowl Defensive Back on Injured Reserve

As the Los Angeles Chargers prepare to play against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, things aren’t getting any better for them. While they’re expected to get starting right tackle Joe Alt and wide receiver Ladd McConkey back, another key roster member won’t be available for some time.

Safety Derwin James Jr., one of their main stars on defense, hasn’t played since Week 3, when they lost 24-16 to the Buffalo Bills. He has been dealing with a hamstring injury, and it was hoped a little while ago that perhaps he would be able to return this weekend against the Rams.

Instead, he had a setback this week, and head coach Jim Harbaugh said that a stint on injured reserve was possible.

James will miss at least four games

According to the Chargers’ official website, they have placed James on injured reserve, which means he will have to miss at least four games. The earliest he will be eligible to return is Nov. 29, when they will host Drake Maye and the New England Patriots.

In three games, James has 21 total tackles (12 solo) and one pass defended. Last season, he allowed a 57.8 passer rating when targeted in coverage, but so far this season, he’s allowing a passer rating of 101.7 in those situations.

He has even been mentioned as a candidate to be traded ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline. James signed a three-year contract extension worth $75.6 million back in May.

On Saturday, the Chargers signed cornerback Isas Waxter to the active roster in a corresponding move, and they elevated cornerback Kaiir Elam from the practice squad. Waxter was an undrafted rookie in 2025 and didn’t play last season, and in two games this season, he has made two tackles in spot duty. Elam was the No. 23 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida, and in 43 career games, he has 114 total tackles (78 solo), four tackles for loss, eight passes defended and two interceptions.