Chargers Officially Place Derwin James Jr. on IR Amid Team-Wide Struggles

Support Local Media - Click to Add LA Sports Report as a Preferred Source on GoogleThe Los Angeles Chargers officially placed safety Derwin James Jr. on injured reserve, putting him on the sidelines for at least the next four weeks as he deals with a hamstring injury. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LA Sports Report (@lasportsreport)James missed the Chargers’ last three games with a nagging hamstring injury, and head coach Jim Harbaugh said injured reserve was a very real possibility for him earlier in the week. In corresponding moves, the Chargers signed cornerback Isas Waxter to the active roster and elevated cornerback Kaiir Elam from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.When Can Derwin James Jr. Return?With James’ designation, he is now confirmed to miss games against the Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets, with his soonest return game coming against the New England Patriots on Nov. 29.This is a crushing blow for the Chargers, as they desperately need to get back on the right track after a disappointing 0-6 start. James would play a huge part in helping them do that, as the team had huge expectations for him and made him the highest=paid safety in the NFL after extending him for three years at $25.2 million per year with $57.5 million guaranteed.“He’s such a special, special leader and person,” Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said. “And like Justin [Herbert], the talent is real, it’s there but the leader and motivator and energy he gives to everybody in the organization throughout the entire building is just so unique. [James is] one of the best I’ve ever been around in terms of leadership, character and talent.”Has Derwin James Been Good This Year?Despite his status as the highest-paid safety in the NFL, James’ performances this season have been fairly underwhelming given his price tag. Through three games, he has 21 tackles and broke up a pass, though he has proven in the past he is a quality player.Throughout his career, James has 12 interceptions and 47 passes broken up, as well as six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 19 sacks. He has played 14 or more games in six of his eight NFL seasons, and made the Pro Bowl five times during those years.James clearly moves the needle for the Chargers, and missing him for at least four more games is a huge blow for the team.The Chargers will hope to persevere without James in their next game, which comes against the Rams on Sunday at 1:25 p.m. PT.The post Chargers Officially Place Derwin James Jr. on IR Amid Team-Wide Struggles appeared first on LA Sports Report.