The Los Angeles Chargers activated strong safety Derwin James and safety Adrian Philips from the reserve/injured list on Saturday, the team announced. They are designated to return to the 53-man roster.
James has not played a down in 2019, as he was on the injured reserve due to a stress fracture in his foot. He was diagnosed with a stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal of his right foot in August and subsequently underwent surgery.
An All-Pro and Pro Bowler as a rookie, James is one of the NFL's brightest stars at 23 years old. In 2018, while starting all 16 contests, the Florida State product tallied 105 combined tackles, four tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, 13 pass deflections and three interceptions.
According to Pro Football Reference, James allowed an 82 passer rating in coverage in 2018. Quarterbacks went 49 for 73 for 480 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions while throwing in his direction.
James is a game-changing addition for the struggling Chargers, who sit at 4-7 heading into Sunday's tilt with the Denver Broncos.
Phillips, another Pro Bowler, was supposed to fill-in for James. However, a broken forearm halted those efforts as he missed 10 games while on the injured reserve.
Phillips returned to Chargers practice two weeks ago while James did so earlier this week. Barring unforeseen setbacks, both should play on Sunday.
In a series of corresponding moves, the Bolts promoted wide receiver Jalen Guyton from the practice squad to the active roster, while defensive tackle T.Y. McGill and safety Shalon Luani were waived. The Chargers also placed wide receiver Geremy Davis on the injured reserve.