EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Chargers safety Derwin James was suspended for one game without pay for “repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players,” according to the NFL.
On Sunday, Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth caught a pass and as he was being tackled, James made helmet-to-helmet contact. He was flagged for unnecessary roughness.
Here’s the hit that earned #Chargers S Derwin James a one-game suspension for repeat violations of the NFL’s safety rules.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 23, 2024
“The video of the play shows that you lowered your head and made forcible contact. … Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated.” pic.twitter.com/2KUxc25zrm
“I’m not here to referee," James said. "I’m playing fast and not thinking about a flag.
“I’ll look at the film and see if they send me a fine. I don’t feel like I hit him in the head or neck.”
James is expected to appeal the suspension, according to numerous reports.
Jon Runyan, the league’s vice president of football operations, sent the following later to James:
“Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated,” Runyan wrote. “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.”
His appeal will be heard sometime this week and the decision will be given quickly so he knows if he will play Sunday.
If upheld, James will miss Sunday’s divisional matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs and the team will need him to go up against Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh wasn't stressing about his safety’s aggressive play.
“Keep Derwin doing Derwin,” Harbaugh said. “He has found that sweet spot of playing aggressively and within the rules all at the same time. That is what I have noticed.”