Derwin James
S - LAC - IR
Week 4 Outlook
Chargers' stud safety Derwin James underwent successful surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. He has officially been placed on Injured Reserve and will miss the entire 2020 season as a result. James is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of the 2021 season.
Fantasy Impact
Unsurprisingly, the Chargers defense will almost certainly feel the affects of not having their All-Pro safety on the field and should be lowered down the D/ST rankings as a result. Rayshawn Jenkins, a 2017 fourth-rounder, figures to start at strong safety in James' absence.
Derwin James needs surgery to repair his meniscus and is expected to miss 6-8 months.
Fantasy Impact
It was reported on Sunday that James would miss a "significant" amount of time due to a meniscus injury. This is a brutal timeline, however, as the oft-injured safety will miss the full 2020 season. The Chargers still have a talented defense, but the loss of James certainly hurts.
Chargers' stud safety Derwin James suffered a 'meniscus injury' in Sunday's practice and is likely to miss significant time as a result.
Fantasy Impact
This is a huge blow for the Chargers defense as James was entering the 2020 campaign as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. According to Rapoport, the 24-year-old safety is undergoing further medical evaluation and could opt to have a full meniscus repair which carries with it a several month recovery. A meniscus trim, however, would keep him sidelined for roughly four weeks. Regardless of choice, James is likely to miss a good portion of the season and the Chargers D/ST will certainly be less potent without him on the field.
Derwin James totaled four solo tackles, two assisted tackles, one TFL, and one pass defended in a 45-10 blowout of Jacksonville.
Fantasy Impact
If you've held on to James this whole time, the early results are somewhat promising. After playing 55 total snaps last weekend, James saw the field on 65 snaps against the Jaguars. As long as the dynamic safety can stay on the field, his fantasy production will be sure to follow. He and the Chargers have a date with the Vikings next Sunday.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports Derwin James (foot) is expected to return in Week 13 versus the Broncos.
Fantasy Impact
James was one of the best safeties in football as a rookie last season. His return should be a huge boost to the Chargers' defense.
