Chargers safety Derwin James to have knee surgery, will miss season

Chargers All-Pro safety Derwin James will miss the upcoming NFL season, as he will need surgery on his knee, a procedure which will keep him off the field for six to eight months.

Since he was drafted by the Chargers in the 2018 draft, James has been a superstar defender when he's been able to stay on the field. In his rookie season, he made the Pro Bowl and was named a first-team All-Pro, establishing him as one of the league's most dangerous young safeties.

However, since then, he has struggled to stay on the field due to significant injuries. A stress fracture in his right foot kept him off the field last season until November and he was only able to play five games. James worked tirelessly in his recovery and his goal was to be able to show off his production for a full season.

"Just being out there all 16 games," James said when asked about his goal for the season. "That's the only goal I'm making this year. I feel like as long as I'm out there, the plays are gonna come."

It's a devastating blow for the Chargers, who were hoping James would be an anchor for the team's young, talented defense. Some have linked the team to free-agent safety Earl Thomas but head coach Anthony Lynn said he was confident that Rayshawn Jenkins and Desmond King would be able to fill in adequately in James' absence.

"I like the depth that we have in our secondary," Lynn said. "So, we have to make some different combinations, but we have some good players in the secondary."