Unfortunate Derwin James Update Emerges After Leaving Vikings Game Early

"Derwin James has a walking boot on his right ankle," he reported. This was after he exited in the first quarter of Los Angeles' 37-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings due to an ankle injury.

The team originally announced that James was "questionable to return" before declaring him out for the remainder of the contest, via social media.

Chargers Have Momentum Despite Injuries

In addition to James, cornerback Tarheeb Still (knee), safety Tony Jefferson (hamstring), and Mekhi Becton Sr. (knee) all suffered ailments on Thursday. That's not ideal for a Los Angeles team that already has 11 players on injured reserve, including Hampton and fellow tailback Najee Harris (Achilles), per ESPN.

On the bright side, the Chargers are now 5-3 after Thursday night's beatdown of the Vikings. Herbert leads the NFL with 1,913 passing yards, although he has at least one more game played than every other quarterback ahead of Sunday's slate. Still, he's spreading the ball around to different weapons, as Allen ranks 16th with 435 receiving yards, Johnston 21st with 407, and McConkey 30th with 380. Meanwhile, rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II has five-plus catches in three straight games.

Meanwhile, second-year running back Kimani Vidal notched his second 100-plus-yard rushing performance of the season on Thursday, so the running game is still alive despite the absences of Hampton and Harris. If Los Angeles maintains this offensive momentum, it should still make the playoffs despite its injuries.

Up next for the Chargers is a road date with the Tennessee Titans in Week 9 followed by a home matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10. They will then hit the road to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11 before a Week 12 bye.