Derwin James' Ankle Injury Reportedly Not Expected to Be 'Major' After Chargers' Win

The Los Angeles Chargers are hopeful that star safety Derwin James' low-ankle sprain is "nothing major" before he undergoes an MRI on Friday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport also reported that there's a chance James misses "little or no game time."

The 29-year-old suffered the injury in the first quarter of the Chargers' 37-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night, as he was listed as questionable to return before eventually getting ruled out.

James eventually returned to Los Angeles' sideline during the second half of the game, but his uniform was off and he was wearing a walking boot on his right foot.

The Chargers' secondary dealt with several injuries throughout the victory, as safety Tony Jefferson and cornerback Tarheeb Still experienced hamstring and knee issues respectively.

▶️ Full Vikings-Chargers Recap

05:47

James potentially avoiding a significant injury would be extremely important for a Los Angeles squad looking for some consistency as it attempts to build upon a 5-3 start to the year. The Chargers opened their 2025 campaign with a 3-0 record, but have gone 2-3 since.

Still, James has remained one of the NFL's top safeties. The four-time Pro Bowler has racked up 49 tackles, five tackles for loss, three passes defended, 1.5 sacks and one interception across eight appearances this season.

He's allowed a 61.5 passer rating when targeted, according to Pro Football Focus.

James received high praise from Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh following the team's 20-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2.

"I've called him the best safety I've ever seen in the history of the National Football League," Harbaugh said, per USA Today's Tyler Dragon. "I don't think I'm going out on a limb. He is one of the most incredible players I've ever watched."

With Los Angeles coming off a Thursday night matchup, James will have more time to rest and recover before the team's Week 9 clash with the Tennessee Titans on Nov. 2.