During joint practices between the Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints, Pro Bowl safety, Derwin James was spotted wearing a walking boot on the sidelines.
There was no mention of James’ injury up to that point but according to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo, the second-year pro will undergo surgery for a stress fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot. The Chargers believe that he will miss three to four months of action, which would place his return near the end of the 2019 season.
An All-Pro selection as a rookie, James (the 17th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft) was a big part of the Chargers defense last season. He compiled 105 tackles, three interceptions, and 3.5 sacks a year ago.
Los Angeles was expected to be a contender in the AFC after finishing 12-4 and losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion, New England Patriots in the Divisional Round of the 2018 NFL Playoffs. Without James versatility the defense loses a big piece of what made it so special, especially during the second half of the season.
Surgery is going to be performed by renowned foot specialist Robert Anderson. The timeline could change depending on how the surgery goes, the earliest that James could return seems to be mid-November.
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