Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh disagrees with NFL’s ruling on Derwin James Jr.’s suspension
It’s more than just the playmaking, the positional versatility and the hard tackles. With star safety Derwin James Jr. suspended for one week, the Chargers are missing a vocal leader whose wide, bejeweled smile sets the tone for a secondary now tasked with stopping the defending Super Bowl champions without him.
“Derwin’s a big personality,” said safety Alohi Gilman, whose laid-back Hawaiian nature contrasts sharply with James’ fiery passion. “For me, I don’t really look at it as replacing him. I just be the best that I can be, and bring whatever energy that I got and my type of game to the table, and just got to elevate it a little bit more.”
James’ 21 tackles are the most for a Chargers defensive back through three games. One of three defensive captains, James will be missed not only for his production but also his leadership against the Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
It’s official: Justin Herbert active for Chargers vs. Chiefs
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will play on Sunday against the Kansas Chiefs. He is active for the game after being listed as questionable heading into Sunday because of an ankle injury he aggravated during last week’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Here are the players who won’t be suiting up for the Chargers on Sunday:
Chargers: LB Junior Colson, RB Kimani Vidal, DB Deane Leonard, DB Ja’Sir Taylor, OL Rashawn Slater, OL Joe Alt, LB Joey Bosa.
As Justin Herbert mends, Taylor Heinicke wins over the Chargers
Taylor Heinicke is not supposed to be in the spotlight like this. The backup quarterback stood in front of his locker that was full of freshly laundered sweatshirts and spoke to reporters as concerns about starter Justin Herbert’s ankle loomed. After the gaggle dispersed, Heinicke returned to his main task.
He sat down and pulled a tablet onto his lap. Game film already was on the screen.
Even in a state of uncertainty with Herbert’s ankle injury, the Chargers quarterback room remains calm, anchored by the backups whose jobs are to stay in the shadows while still being prepared to take center stage.
Heinicke and Easton Stick are under no delusions that they can sling the ball like Herbert, but the quarterback trio’s skill sets overlap in one key area.
“The most important thing in that room,” Herbert said, “is everyone wants to win.”
Jim Harbaugh won’t let O-line injuries affect decision on Justin Herbert playing
One bad play away from further injuring the ankle that he already re-aggravated last week, Justin Herbert could be at additional risk playing behind a shuffled offensive line that could be without both starting tackles. If Herbert rested against the Kansas City Chiefs, he could have two weeks — including the upcoming off week — to recuperate with hopes of ensuring his health for the remainder of the season.
But Jim Harbaugh is not one to entertain “if” questions.
The Chargers coach isn’t going to let questions about an offensive line impact his decision on Herbert’s availability. A 15-year NFL quarterback himself, Harbaugh didn’t step on the field as a player without full confidence in all of his teammates as a player and won’t start doubting his players now as a coach.
“[I] never felt like we were going in nine against 11 or 10 against 11,” Harbaugh said Friday when asked if there was concern with Herbert playing behind an offensive line that will be without starting left tackle Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and possibly right tackle Joe Alt, who is doubtful with a knee injury. “I knew we were going in 11 against 11 and the teammate there was more than capable of doing the job. … That’s the mind-set, and I’ve kept that same mindset as a coach. Believe in our guys,”
To fortify their ranks, the Chargers elevated center Sam Mustipher from the practice squad Saturday. He worked with the No. 1 offensive line at right guard in practice this week in a combination that included Trey Pipkins III at right tackle and Jamaree Salyer at left. Pipkins started at right tackle last year before shifting inside to guard to make room for Alt, the No. 5 overall pick. Salyer has extensive starting at left tackle, but struggled in one snap at the position against the Steelers when he came on suddenly.
A reconfigured offensive line gave up three sacks last week, but now with a week’s worth of preparation, the Chargers hope they’ve ironed out their backup plans.
“This week we’ve been rolling through reps and making sure we’re all on the same page,” center Bradley Bozeman said.
After limping off the field late in the fourth quarter against the Steelers, Alt missed all three days of practice while working with trainers on rehab and treatment. Although chemistry is imperative on the offensive line, the lack of practice reps this week wouldn’t be a concern for potentially putting Alt onto the field, Harbaugh said, as the rookie still has a wealth of experience working with the No. 1 group.
“It’s just ready, willing and able,” Harbaugh said. “If somebody’s ready, they’re willing and they’re able to get their job done, those are the categories that you go by. Is he more able to than the next man up would be, then those are the decisions you make.”
Chargers vs. Chiefs: How to watch, prediction and betting odds
Two weeks ago, this matchup looked as if it could be an opportunity for the Chargers to make a major divisional statement. Now it’s just about survival.
With injuries affecting four key starters and a one-game suspension to star safety Derwin James Jr., the Chargers (2-1) are hoping to at least limp into the off week without adding anyone else to the injury report.
Quarterback Justin Herbert will try to tough out a high-ankle sprain behind an offensive line that might be without starting tackles Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (knee). Outside linebacker Joey Bosa is nursing a hip injury that limited him to just two snaps against the Pittsburgh Steelers.