Chargers' Star Shockingly Suspended Just Before Week 4 Chiefs Matchup
It hasn't been an enjoyable 24 hours for the Chargers and their fanbase. On Sunday, the Chargers lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-10 and dropped down to 2-1 on the season.
In addition to the loss, quarterback Justin Herbert re-aggravated his ankle sprain and was pulled from the game. Rookie tackle Joe Alt suffered a sprained MCL and will miss time. In addition to that, tackle Rashawn Slater is dealing with a strained pec.
When you thought things couldn't get worse, it did. Now a star defender was suspended and will miss the Week 4 showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.
#Chargers star Derwin James Jr. has been suspended without pay for one game for repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players, including during this Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2024
Chargers News: Derwin James Is Suspended for Week 4
According to Ian Rapoport, Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. is suspended without pay for one game for repeated violations of rules that are in place to protect player's health.
In the third quarterback against the Pittsburgh Steelers, James is seen lowering his helmet to tackle tight end Pat Freiermuth.
The play that earned Derwin James a one-game suspension and that the NFL deemed a "serious violation of the playing rules." pic.twitter.com/JyjElppe51
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) September 23, 2024
NFL executive Jon Runyan contacted James and explained why he was issued a suspension.
"The video of the play shows that you lowered your head and made forcible contact to Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth. You had an unobstructed path to your opponent and the illegal contact could have been avoided. Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated. Substantial penalties are warranted when players violate the rules intended to protect players safety on a repeated basis, particularly when the violations carry with them a significant risk of injury to an opposing player. "
- Jon Runyan
That is a massive blow to a Chargers team that was already going to be short-handed. Los Angeles has dropped five straight games to the Chiefs and now their pathway to beating them just got even more difficult.
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