The five-time Pro Bowl safety, sidelined since September 27 with a hamstring injury, is out ahead of a game against the Rams.
The Los Angeles Chargers placed safety Derwin James Jr. on injured reserve on October 31, one day before facing the crosstown Rams. The team confirmed the move on X, noting it was one of several roster moves made ahead of the game.
James, a five-time Pro Bowler, has been dealing with a lingering hamstring injury and hasn't played since September 27. His absence leaves a hole in a Chargers defense that was expected to carry the team while the offense finds its footing.
The timing is rough. Los Angeles enters the matchup at 0-6 and is expected to lean on its defense just to stay competitive against the Rams. Losing James, a key piece in that unit, only adds to the difficulty.
There's no word yet on a timeline for his return. For now, the Chargers will have to figure out how to replace his production as they try to avoid a seventh straight loss.