Derwin James In Line For Week 13 Return

Derwin James could soon be welcomed back into the Los Angeles Chargers fold.

They’ve been without Derwin James for the entire 2019 season so far due to a stress fracture in his foot.

Derwin James is coming to the end of his three month recovery cycle. The safety was a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro in his rookie season in 2018. 

The Chargers have missed James, a player they wanted to build their defense around. However, with their playoff hopes slipping away, his return may be too little too late.

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“I’m feeling well, feeling better, getting better every day,” James said.

“Just taking it day-by-day. It’s real close, real soon. I can say that. So just taking it day-by-day. Working hard to get back out there.”

James wryly said ‘stay tuned’ when asked if he could return to the field as soon as Week 13.

Head coach Anthony Lynn would love to reintegrate James as soon as possible. Lynn says that James is going straight back in once he’s been cleared by team doctors.

“If we got healthy players as good as DJ, if he can play, he’s gonna play,” Lynn said. “We’re not tanking, guys. We’re 4-7. Last time I checked we have five games left.”

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James was intended to play alongside Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram in a revamped Chargers 2019 defense.

His absence has been felt, and the Chargers lead the NFL in one score losses, with seven. Had James been fit, perhaps the Bolts could have closed out a few more games. As it stands, though, they are an outsider for the playoffs.

Los Angeles finishes it’s season with games against the Broncos, Jaguars, Vikings, Raiders and the Chiefs.