Chargers Rule Out Derwin James Jr. for Fourth Straight Game

The Los Angeles Chargers will be without safety Derwin James Jr. for a fourth consecutive game when they host the Rams at SoFi Stadium. James has been ruled out with a hamstring injury and has not appeared in a game since a 24-16 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 27.

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said earlier this week that James suffered a setback during his rehabilitation. Harbaugh added that the team was considering placing the safety on injured reserve, a move that would keep him sidelined for a minimum of four games. The Chargers enter Sunday's matchup with a 0-6 record.

James is a five-time Pro Bowl selection who tied his career high with three interceptions last season. Defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary, who took over the unit in January, said the defense cannot simply substitute for him.

"You can't replace Derwin, it's impossible," O'Leary said. "He's one of the best in the league, if not the best in the league. We love him."

The change in defensive leadership coincided with James's absence. Jesse Minter left in January to become the Baltimore Ravens' head coach, and O'Leary, his replacement, has coached the last four games without James. Minter's defense ranked first in 2024 by allowing 17 points per game and finished ninth last season at 19 points per game. Through six games this season, O'Leary's unit ranks 22nd among the NFL's 32 teams, surrendering an average of 25.2 points.

The Rams present a difficult test. Los Angeles is 3-4 and leads the league with 399.1 net yards per game. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, the reigning league MVP, is averaging 284.1 passing yards and has thrown for 1,989 yards over seven games, second in the league behind Green Bay's Jordan Love, who has 2,246 yards over eight games.

Tony Jefferson, R.J. Mickens and rookie Genesis Smith have filled in for James. Smith recorded the first two interceptions of his career during a Week 3 loss to Buffalo, a game in which the defense held Bills quarterback Josh Allen to 204 passing yards. O'Leary said the scheme has shifted to compensate.

"We're not going to put too much on one guy's plate," O'Leary said. "We've got guys filling in for him at the position. We're moving personnel around a little bit to get other guys on the field."

The Chargers' injury report includes other absences. Left guard Kayode Awosika has been ruled out for a fifth straight game with a leg injury. Defensive back Deane Leonard is out with a concussion, and rookie wide receiver Brenen Thompson is out with quadricep and hamstring injuries. Cornerbacks Donte Jackson and Rodney Shelley are questionable after limited practice participation.

Wide receiver Ladd McConkey could return after a full week of practice. He entered concussion protocol following a 22-6 loss to Kansas City on Oct. 18. Tre'Harris, who leads the team with 15 catches for 225 yards, has also come off the injury list after dealing with a hamstring issue.

The Chargers rank 32nd in scoring, and the offense has turned the ball over 15 times, including eight interceptions thrown by Justin Herbert through six games. Special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken said the unit reviewed its performance during last week's bye.

"You always want to look into anything and everything and how you can improve, right?" Ficken said. "It doesn't have to be drastic, wholesale changes, but it can just be subtle changes that give us an edge."