Colts could avoid Chargers’ Derwin James (foot) in Week 1

The Indianapolis Colts offense will have their hands full having to line up across from a strong Los Angeles Chargers defense, but one of the latter’s best defenders in safety Derwin James is could miss the regular-season opener.

James suffered a foot injury, which was diagnosed as a stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal, during Thursday’s practice. He was season sporting a walking boot. The timeline for his return is undetermined, which means there is a chance he winds up missing the first game of the season.

The #Chargers suffered a tough loss yesterday in practice. Sources say star safety Derwin James will be out a significant amount of time, but how much is still undetermined, as of now. He injured his foot yesterday and was spotted in a boot today.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 16, 2019

From the #chargers: Derwin James was diagnosed with a stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal of his right foot. He will continue to be evaluated, and the course of treatment is still to be determined.

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) August 16, 2019

Should James miss the first game of the season, it would be a major hindrance to the Chargers defense. He is the unit’s most versatile player and made a huge impact his rookie season—finishing third in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

James finished his rookie season as a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro. He recorded 105 tackles (75 solo), six quarterback hits, four tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

The Colts offense could very well be without its best player in quarterback Andrew Luck, and it seems the Chargers could be without one of their best defenders as well.