Chargers Injury News: Derwin James Status Revealed for Critical Chiefs Game
Your Los Angeles Chargers are entering a crucial game against divisional rival Kansas City Chiefs.
The reigning Super Bowl champs are already tough to deal with, as they have perennial tight end Travis Kelce. To make matters worse, the Chargers are dealing with a heavily banged-up secondary.
Derwin James popped up on the injury report and was listed as "questionable," on Friday. His absence would be significant, especially as JT Woods and Alohi Gilman are out. Thankfully, the Chargers won't be without James for this pivotal game.
James engaged in his final pre-game workout and has been elevated to active. This is huge considering the Chiefs have one of the most dangerous and pass-happy offensive attacks in the NFL.
James being active should take a huge weight off the shoulders of the defense, who would have had to rely on recently acquired Jaylinn Hawkins. Hawkins was taken off the waiver wire from the Falcons, and head coach Arthur Smith had nothing but good things to say about the young safety.
Hawkins could also add some much-needed relief for James, should his ankle be reaggravated in-game.
Travis Kelce is always hard to defend, but his output is significantly lower with James on the field. Since 2021, the Bolts and Chiefs have played four times.
In those four matchups, Kelce's output is a paltry 2.02 yards per route with James on the field and 6.68 yards per route without James.
The Bolts are currently sitting at 2-3, and a loss here would place the team far behind the first-place Chiefs, and a game behind the Raiders. It will be two games should the Raiders beat the Bears today.
The Chargers will need all the help they can get today to take down the Chiefs and stay relevant in the AFC West.
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