Los Angeles Chargers strong safety Derwin James recently went down with a meniscus tear in his right knee during training camp. Due to the severity of the injury, he was reported to be sidelined for the entire 2020 season until he makes his full recovery. The Chargers stated that the third-year player underwent successful surgery and will be placed on injured reserve for the upcoming season.

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport disclosed the details of the James' injury situation on Twitter:

Derwin James already had a list of injuries that derailed his progression on the field. The former Florida State Seminole sustained a hamstring injury during his rookie training camp that ultimately limited his progress. Nonetheless, he managed to play all 16 games of the 2018 season and was even named to his first Pro Bowl appearance.

His sophomore season saw a more severe injury that was later revealed as a stress fracture in his right foot. The injury required James to sit out several months in order to fully recover. He went on to appear on 5 games as a starter and amassed lowly numbers of 23 total tackles, 11 assisted tackles, and a pass deflection for the Chargers last season.

James is expected to play a big role in the team's secondary in the upcoming season. 2020 sixth-round draftee Alohi Gilman, sophomore Nasir Adderley, and undrafted rookie John Brannon III will all be rotating in the starting strong safety position in lieu of his absence.

The team will need to face the upcoming season without having one of the league's best young defenders on their corner. Being placed in a competitive AFC West division, the Chargers will have to hope that their young bench mob will all step up and have an impact on the team's defensive line in 2020.