Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James is eyeing his return to action for Week 13 against the Denver Broncos after the team's Week 12 bye, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
James underwent foot surgery over the summer to get a new screw inserted into it. He was placed on the injured reserve. He suffered a stress fracture in his fifth metatarsal in a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 15. It was re-fracture of a previous fracture sustained in his sophomore season at Florida State.
James underwent surgery in Green Bay on Aug. 22 from foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson. Per Schefter, he is now running pain-free. It should not take long for him to return to practice on a limited basis.
James' return is massive for the Bolts. In 2018 as a rookie, the former Seminole made the Pro Bowl and was first-team All-Pro. He started all 16 games, tallying 105 combined tackles, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions, and 16 pass deflections in the process.
According to Pro Football Reference, James allowed an 82 passer rating in coverage in 2018. He allowed 49 completions out of 73 targets (67.1% allowed completion rate) for 480 yards and three touchdowns to make up the far-below league average passer rating.
James is an integral piece to Los Angeles' defensive rebuild. He, alongside pass-rushers Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, cornerback Casey Hayward, first-round rookie defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, and linebacker Thomas Davis make up one of the NFL's most enticing defensive units when healthy. The problem: none have played together due to a lack of health.
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