Chargers' Derwin James Jr. Hits Injured Reserve as Hamstring Woes Persist

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers have placed safety Derwin James Jr. on injured reserve because of a hamstring injury, the team announced on Saturday. The Pro Bowl defensive back has been sidelined since the Chargers' loss at Buffalo on Sept. 27.

The decision to move James to injured reserve was anticipated after head coach Jim Harbaugh revealed earlier in the week that James had experienced a setback in his rehabilitation and recovery. He will be required to miss a minimum of four games for the Chargers, who hold an 0-6 record and are set to face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

In corresponding roster moves, Los Angeles signed cornerback Isas Waxter to the active roster and promoted cornerback Kaiir Elam from the practice squad. Waxter spent the previous season on the Chargers' practice squad after originally joining the league as an undrafted free agent with Seattle. He has seen action in two games this season as a standard elevation. Elam has started 19 of 43 career regular-season games across stints with Buffalo, Dallas, and Tennessee.

Alongside James, left guard Kayode Awosika will be absent for a fifth consecutive game due to a leg injury. Defensive back Deane Leonard (concussion) and wide receiver Brenen Thompson (quadriceps/hamstring) have also been ruled out.

Key Analysis

The loss of James further depletes a Chargers secondary that has struggled during the team's winless start. His absence for at least four games places additional pressure on the newly signed Waxter and promoted Elam to contribute immediately. With Awosika also out, the offensive line faces continued instability, compounding the challenges for a team searching for its first victory.

Originally reported by yourvalley_net.