Playing Through Injury
Chargers Safety Derwin James Plans to Play Season With Finger Fracture
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Key Points
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James leads the Chargers with 17 tackles through two games. Since being drafted in 2018, he has recorded 701 tackles, 19 sacks and 12 interceptions in 100 games, all of them starts.
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The fracture occurred in the first quarter, and James returned in the second quarter wearing a cast. He finished with seven tackles, including two solo stops.
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James signed a three-year, $75.6 million extension during the offseason, making him the NFL’s highest-paid safety for the second time in his career; he entered the season as a six-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection.
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The Chargers lost their first two games at home after also falling to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1, despite being favored in both matchups.
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Los Angeles faces a challenging stretch after the Buffalo game: five of its next seven games are on the road, six of those seven opponents made the 2025 playoffs, and four of its final six games are also away from home.
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James fractured his left pinky finger during Sunday's 26-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders but plans to play the rest of the 2026 season with a cast. BND reported that the five-time Pro Bowl selection returned in the second quarter and recorded seven tackles despite the injury. The fracture is not expected to sideline him, though the cast may limit his ability to catch passes.
James' availability is crucial as the Chargers start 0-2 at home and face mounting secondary injuries. The 2020 first-round pick leads Los Angeles with 17 tackles through two games and signed a three-year, $75.6 million extension this offseason, making him the NFL's highest-paid safety for the second time in his career.
Durability Amid Early-Season Struggles
James has been a cornerstone of the Chargers defense since his 2018 draft. In 100 career starts, he has accumulated 701 tackles, 19 sacks and 12 interceptions. Star-Telegram noted that his decision to play through the pinky fracture underscores his commitment despite Los Angeles' 0-2 home record to begin the season.
The injury occurred early — in the first quarter against Las Vegas. James suited up again by the second quarter wearing a protective cast. His seven tackles, including two solo stops, demonstrated his immediate impact despite the pain and reduced mobility.
Secondary Injuries Pile Up After Raiders Loss
Kansas City reported that the Chargers lost three offensive starters and one defensive starter in Sunday's defeat. The secondary is already stretched thin, making James' willingness to play critical. Miami Herald noted the team's injury report is expanding as the season progresses.
With James sidelined, Los Angeles would lack depth at safety against elite offenses. His presence on the field — even with a cast — provides continuity and leadership for a defense that has allowed 26 and 23 points in back-to-back losses.
Brutal Road Ahead for Struggling Chargers
Los Angeles visits the 2-0 Buffalo Bills in Week 3. After that, the schedule gets tougher. Five of the Chargers' next seven games are on the road, and six of those seven opponents made the 2025 playoffs.
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