Denzel Perryman Suspended, Updates on Chargers LB After Hit on Cowboys' Flournoy

The NFL suspended Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman for two games for "repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players."

After an appeal, Perryman's two-game suspension was upheld by appeals officer Jordy Nelson, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The most recent example came in the second quarter of Los Angeles' 34-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. Perryman lunged at Ryan Flournoy and made helmet-to-helmet contact while the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver was on the ground securing a catch.

After the game, the 2021 Pro Bowler denied the idea he's a dirty player in since-deleted tweet: "Never proud of someone calling em a dirty player, never been a dirty player since i start at the age of 6.. I play fast and physical, me and #19 talked after the game we good."

The referees flagged Perryman for unnecessary roughness for the hit on Flournoy, but he remained in the game. Flournoy, meanwhile, left with a knee injury and didn't return for the second half.

Perryman can appeal the suspension. Should the hearing officer uphold the punishment, he'll miss the remainder of the regular season. He won't be eligible to suit up again until after the Chargers' Week 18 clash with the Denver Broncos.

The two-game ban won't get in the way of the 33-year-old playing in Los Angeles' playoff opener should the team qualify. At 11-4, L.A. sits fifth in the conference and would play the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers during Wild Card Weekend.

Perryman, who has spent eight seasons with the Chargers across two spells, is tied for fifth on the team with 47 total tackles.