Derwin

James

Vidal injured his neck in Week 16 and was unable to play in Week 17. He practiced throughout Week 18, including two full sessions to close the week. Forecasting Vidal’s role is difficult, with the Chargers declaring QB Justin Herbert, S Derwin James Jr., RB Omarion Hampton (ankle), S Elijah Molden (hamstring), OLB Tuli Tuipulotu, OT Jamaree Salyer (hamstring) and C Bradley Bozeman (concussion) inactive for Week 18 against the Broncos. The team is clearly trying to preserve its health for the postseason and Vidal has meaningfully contributed to the offense this season. While we tentatively expect him to start, RB Hassan Haskins (concussion) and RB Jaret Patterson could also be regularly involved. Patterson is the backfield’s lone fully healthy player.

According to Pelissero, James will undergo an MRI to confirm, but the hope is the veteran safety has avoided the worst here. James was injured in the first half of Sunday’s win and ruled out in the second-half, but if this injury doesn’t prove to be anything major, it’s possible James will be good to go when the Chargers face the Titans in Week 9.

James injured the ankle during the first half of the contest against Minnesota, and the 29-year-old defender won’t be able to continue. Kendall Williamson and R.J. Mickens will see the snaps for the remainder of Thursday’s game.

Observing Herbert’s connection with his recently revamped receiving corps will be worthwhile for fantasy managers. Keenan Allen’s return to the lineup could have a fantasy-unfriendly effect on players like Quentin Johnston, Tre’ Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. Derwin James and Khalil Mack are the only two starters who will not play.

James caught a suspension for “repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players.” One of the plays in question occurred in Sunday’s loss to the Steelers. It’s terrible timing considering a matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in Week 4.

James was added to the injury report late last week with an ankle injury, but will be ready to go the Chargers’ divisional showdown against the Chiefs. While he is active, the team did declare S Alohi Gilman, CB Deane Leonard, S Mark Webb, OL Zack Bailey, RB Elijah Dotson, DL Christopher Hinton, and TE Tre’ McKitty inactive for Week 7.

James hurt his ankle in practice on Thursday and was downgraded to a DNP on Friday. The Chargers will test his ankle in pre-game workouts before making a decision on his status. Given his lengthy injury history, it would make sense to sit James for a week to let his ankle fully heal.

James popped up on the injury report with the ankle issue on Thursday after getting in a limited practice. He was downgraded to a DNP on Friday, putting him on the wrong side of questionable for Week 7. He previously missed time this year with a hamstring injury.

James will likely miss Sunday’s game against the Raiders with the Chargers heading into the Week 5 bye. James will get an extra week to recover from an injury he suffered in Week 3, and will hopefully be ready for Week 6 against the Cowboys. Safety JT Woods is listed behind James on the depth chart and will likely draw the start in his absence.

James went down with a hamstring issue during the Chargers’ Week 3 matchup with the Vikings and was unable to return. Missing the first practice of the week isn’t a great sign for his odds of suiting up on Sunday. Given James’s extensive injury history, it makes sense for Brandon Staley to be cautious with his return.