Derwin James Completes Concussion Protocol After Week 16 Ejection

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James insists his hit on Colts WR Ashton Dulin in Week 16 was accidental. 

The incident resulted in the ejection of Derwin James and both players were placed in the concussion protocol.

Derwin James signed a four-year, $76.5 million extension over the summer, making him the highest-paid safety in the NFL.

“I’m not a dirty player,” said James.

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“If you look at how I play every week, I’m not out to hurt nobody. I don’t play the game that way. I wasn’t taught the game that way. I’m trying to play fast and aggressive for my team and make a play.

“I was kind of trying to line him up and turn my shoulder in that moment, and it was happening so fast that I ended up catching a little bit of his shoulder with my face,” said James.

“I feel like the flag was OK, but ejection — that’s different,” James added.

James was inactive during Week 17, but to no cost as the Chargers have already secured a postseason place. It’s the first time they’ve made the playoffs in four years. They could seal the No.5 seed if they beat the Denver Broncos this week.

Read: Bobby Wagner – Spoiling Seattle’s Postseason Hopes ‘Worth Playing For’

James has 109 tackles, 5 pass deflections, 4 sacks and two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 13 games this season. As well as that, he made his second straight Pro Bowl for the third of his career.

“I’ve been good,” said James.

“I just have been taking my time and following every step of the protocol.”