Derwin James Suffers Injury Setback, Latest News on Chargers Star's Timeline to Return, Recovery

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. could be headed for injured reserve.

Coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters the five-time Pro Bowler experienced a setback as he recovers from a hamstring injury. That could leave the team with no choice but to use an IR designation.

The situation sums up the Chargers' entire season.

Los Angeles gave James an extension in the offseason that made him the highest-paid safety in the league. He has since logged three appearances, the last of which was a 24-16 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 3.

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Yet again, injuries to key players are dooming whatever grand ambitions the Chargers had. At 0-6, they'll be lucky to simply make the playoffs.

Given it's increasingly a lost season anyway, James' status might almost be irrelevant. The team's problems are far bigger than he alone can solve.

Shifting the veteran defensive back to injured reserve would rule him out until a Week 12 matchup with the New England Patriots at the earliest.

The Chargers don't want to be too hasty with this decision since he might only miss another week or two. Waiting does come with some risk as placing him on IR after Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams would sideline him until Week 13.