Chargers' star suspended shortly before facing Chiefs in Week 4

The National Football League announced the latest player suspensions and fines on Monday following another week of games, and Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James has been officially suspended for a single game—just in time to (not) face the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs are set to visit the Chargers in Week 4 as they continue a road swing of their schedule and the Bolts are already missing several key players. Now it appears as if James will be among those sitting out.

Former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jon Runyan is now the NFL's Vice President of Football Operations. He wrote the league's official decision about James with some stern warnings attached.

The Chargers aren't exactly at full strength coming into their first game of the year against the Chiefs.

“Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated. Substantial penalties are warranted when players violate the rules intended to protect player safety on a repeated basis, particularly when the violations carry with them a significant risk of injury to an opposing player.”

The league took exception to James' play against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3 as he hit tight end Pat Freiermuth when leading with his helmet, a common occurence for James when tackling. The league finally delivered a warning to James to change his behavior before he seriously injures someone.

James was the Chargers first round choice in the 2018 NFL Draft, and he's a proven difference-maker in the team's secondary when healthy. Last year, he had 125 tackles and 2.5 sacks for the Chargers in 16 games, and the three-time Pro Bowler is now the unquestioned leader in the unit for new head coach Jim Harbaugh.

As it stands, the Chargers will be without James as they also deal with injuries to tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, quarterback Justin Herbert, and pass rusher Joey Bosa.

James has 21 tackles and 1 sack so far in three games in 2024.