Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James underwent surgery on his right foot to repair a stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports. World-renowned foot surgeon Dr. Robert Anderson performed the surgery in Green Bay. James injured his foot during August 15th's practice.

It was later reported that James had a screw in his foot that bent, causing the injury. He originally had the screw placed in his foot during his freshman year at Florida State, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Doctors determined that James would best off with the screw removed.

The Chargers will place James on the injured reserve in Week 1, which will allow him to return to the roster later in the year and grant the Chargers an extra roster spot. However, a return to action isn't guaranteed; he'll need three to four months to recover from the surgery.

James earned a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl nod in his rookie year. The former Florida State Seminole tallied 105 combined tackles, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions, and 23 pass deflections in 2018; his performance is often considered as one of the best ever by a rookie safety.

To account for the loss of James, the Chargers will play Adrian Phillips at strong safety. Phillips is a standout in his own right in 2018. Phillips went to the Pro Bowl last year as a special teamer and became an integral piece to a nickel-heavy offense used in Los Angeles. In 2018, the safety amassed 94 total tackles, an interception, and nine pass deflections. Rookie Nasir Adderley will start alongside him.