Chargers safety Derwin James was not practicing and had a boot on his right foot on Friday.
James was diagnosed with a stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal of his right foot and will continue to be evaluated. The star safety injured his foot during practice on Thursday.
James will be out a significant amount of time, but how much remains to be determined, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
Given the injury, if he were to undergo injury, James could miss three months. If the team decided to place him on injured reserve, he would be forced to miss the first eight weeks of the regular season.
James’ absence will be significant. A do-it-all defender in 2018, James posted 105 tackles (75 solo), six quarterback hits, four tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, which earned him Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
The loss of James is the latest hit to the Chargers roster. Offensive tackle Russell Okung suffered a pulmonary embolism, and it’s unlikely that he will be ready for the season opener. Running back Melvin Gordon is holding out in hopes of a new contract, and wide receiver Keenan Allen is out for the remainder of the preseason.
Los Angeles will likely turn to Adrian Phillips to fill the void at strong safety while James is out. Phillips, a first-team All-Pro special teamer in 2018, had a breakout season in 2018. He amassed 94 tackles, one interception, nine passes defensed and a forced fumble.
