The Chargers put Derwin James on injured reserve Saturday, Oct. 31, after the star defensive back hit a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury. He’ll miss at least four games and can’t come back before Nov. 29.
James hasn’t played since Sept. 27, according to Pro Football Talk. Jim Harbaugh said earlier in the week that the five-time Pro Bowler had suffered a setback in his rehab, and Saturday’s move turns a week-to-week question into a firm timeline.
Who fills the spot
Los Angeles used the open roster spot to sign cornerback Isas Waxter off the practice squad, and it elevated cornerback Kaiir Elam for Sunday’s game against the Rams, LA Sports Report noted.
Neither move replaces what James does. Waxter has two tackles in two games this season, with most of his snaps coming on special teams. Elam hasn’t played yet in 2026, though he brings 43 career appearances over five seasons.
James had 21 tackles and one pass defensed in three games before the hamstring shut him down. He’s playing on a three-year, $75.6 million extension, a deal LA Sports Report says makes him the league’s highest-paid safety.
Why it matters
McGraw Media’s read: this is the right call, even if it stings. A setback on a soft-tissue injury is exactly when teams get tempted to sneak a player back one week early, and IR takes that temptation off the table. The Chargers are paying James like the best safety in football. They’d much rather have him healthy for December than half-speed in November, and with a Nov. 29 return date now on the calendar, the defense has a month to prove it can hold up without its most important player.
Leave a Reply