The Los Angeles Chargers will face significant challenges in their upcoming games as linebacker Denzel Perryman‘s two-game suspension has been upheld by the NFL. This decision means Perryman will miss crucial regular-season matchups against the Houston Texans on December 30 at SoFi Stadium and against the Denver Broncos on either January 3 or January 4.
Perryman’s suspension stems from what the league described as “repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players.” The most recent incident occurred during a game against the Dallas Cowboys, where he delivered a helmet-to-helmet hit to Cowboys player Ryan Flournoy. Although Perryman was penalized for unnecessary roughness, he was not ejected from the game, which ended with the Chargers winning 34-17.
In light of this suspension, the Chargers are expected to turn to Troy Dye as Perryman’s replacement. Dye has played a significant depth role this season and has previously stepped in during Perryman’s absence due to a hamstring injury sustained in the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 5. “We’ve won a lot of games the last couple of years in key sequences when Troy’s been our linebacker,” said Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. “I have great confidence in Troy and those linebackers. We’re ready to roll, move forward to the challenge.”
Dye currently ranks third on the team with 50 tackles, just behind Perryman, who has recorded 47 tackles this season. Additionally, Del’Shawn Phillips is also being considered for a linebacker role, particularly given his strong contributions to the Chargers’ special teams. Minter expressed enthusiasm about Phillips, stating, “The way he’s playing on special teams, the violence, the physicality, the tackling, I’m excited for him to maybe get an opportunity to get in there.”
The Chargers recently adjusted their practice routine due to adverse weather conditions caused by an atmospheric river from the Pacific Ocean. The team practiced at SoFi Stadium, allowing players to acclimate to the game environment while avoiding muddy conditions at their training facility in El Segundo. “It was fun being able to go out and execute. That’s where we’re going to be playing on Saturday,” said Chargers safety Derwin James Jr..
In terms of injury updates, several players did not participate in practice, including wide receiver Derius Davis (ankle), safety RJ Mickens (shoulder), offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer (hamstring), safety Benjamin St-Juste (shoulder), and running back Kimani Vidal (neck). Limited participants included guard Mekhi Becton (knee), outside linebacker Bud Dupree (back), and defensive lineman Teair Tart (groin).
As the Chargers prepare for their crucial matchups, the team’s depth and adaptability will be put to the test in the absence of Perryman. The upcoming games will be pivotal as the Chargers aim to solidify their position in the playoffs.
