Los Angeles Chargers Safety Derwin James will miss the first couple of games this season after suffering a meniscus injury during Sunday’s practice, as reported by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
The third year star’s injury will miss “significant time” according to sources.
There are two options that James can take to rehabilitate the injury. Option A having the meniscus trimmed. This option would take 4-6 weeks to fully heal. Or option B a full repair of the meniscus. This would be ideal for long term health, but would take three or more months to fully recover.
The timetable for his return is still up in the air as the team is now playing the waiting game for James to return to the field.
James missed the first 11 games of last season due to a stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his foot.
James is a vital weapon for the Chargers defense. He is able to both stop the run and play the pass at an elite level. The Chargers need their all pro to return healthy if they want to make a playoff run.
In spite of all of this, there is a free agent that could fill in James’ place until he returns, and that being Earl Thomas.
Thomas, who played under defensive coordinator Gus Bradley in Seattle, flourished in the system and would be the perfect addition for the Chargers. While under Bradley, Thomas recorded 10 interceptions, 175 solo tackles, and started every game.
Both James and Thomas have similar playing styles. Both players are run stopping pass covering safeties. Under Bradley’s system Thomas will be able to fill in James’ shoes until he returns.
The Chargers also have a viable option at depth with player such as Desmond King and Nasir Adderley. King is a proven playmaker in the NFL with Nasir coming off an injury himself from last season.
Chargers Head Coach, Anthony Lynn said this morning the Chargers aren’t looking at Thomas. Instead they will rely on “stacked secondary”.
