The Chargers somehow did a lot of losing in Week Seven despite not playing a real game.
First, no one was fired and there were zero changes to the coaching staff after their 0-6 start. Now, the Chargers may be without safety Derwin James for much longer than initially expected.
Per Jim Harbaugh, James suffered a setback during his rehab from a hamstring injury and he’s now an option to go on injured/reserve which would keep him out at least four more game. James has been sidelined for the Chargers’
past three games and now could miss a minimum of seven contests if he is placed on IR.
In three healthy games this year, James has 21 total tackles and a pass breakup. After injuries kept him to just five total games between the 2019 and 2020 seasons, James has played in at least 14 games each of the past five seasons, including 16 apiece in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
James turned 30 in August and received a massive three-year extension this offseason that keeps him with the Chargers through the 2029 season. Unfortunately, this is the second star in as many seasons to miss significant time the season immediately following their new deal.
Last season, left tackle Rashawn Slater signed the richest contract in NFL history for an offensive lineman before tearing his patellar tendon in training camp and missing the entire 2025 season.
