Derwin James Lands on Injured Reserve After Hamstring Setback
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James will miss at least the next four games after the team placed him on injured reserve on Saturday, Field Level Media reported. The five-time All-Pro suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury during preparations for Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Timeline of the Hamstring Injury and Recovery Setback
James played in the first three games of the 2026 season before sustaining the injury following a Sept. 27 game against the Buffalo Bills. The team initially ruled him out for three weeks. As the winless Chargers (0-6) prepared to face the Rams following a Week 7 bye, head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters that James had suffered a setback in his rehab, forcing the team to make the roster move on Saturday, according to Field Level Media.
Roster Adjustments and Defensive Depth
To offset the loss in the secondary, the Chargers signed cornerback Isas Waxter to the active roster and elevated cornerback Kaiir Elam from the practice squad for the Week 8 game. James joins a growing injury list that includes nine players on injured reserve. Reserves Elijah Molden, Tony Jefferson, and Genesis Smith must now anchor the secondary in his absence.
Earliest Possible Return Against the Patriots
Under NFL injured reserve rules, the earliest James can return to the active roster is Sunday, Nov. 29, when the Chargers host the New England Patriots. James signed a three-year, $75.6 million contract extension in May 2026 and played in 16 of 17 games in each of the previous three seasons. Through three games this season, he recorded 21 total tackles, 12 solo tackles, and one pass defended.
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