Chargers’ Derwin James Jr. ejected after dangerous hit vs. Colts

Los Angeles Chargers star safety and defensive captain Darwin James Jr. was sent off after a dangerous hit on Indianapolis Colts’ unsuspecting receiver Ashton Durin.

When Durin caught a pass from Colts quarterback Nick Foles, James was right there to meet him before the first-down marker. However, he took the lead with the helmet crown and blasted Durin in his head/neck area.

If there was ever an example of a hit the NFL was trying to get out of the league, it was it.

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Darwin James Jr. #3 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after the second quarter play during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., Nov. 20, 2022.
(Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

James was flagged for unnecessary roughness, a 15-yard penalty, and it was ruled the hit deserved an ejection.

While Durin was sent to the Colts’ locker room to be checked for a head injury, James appeared a little limp as he tried to get up after the hit. Sent to a medical tent on the Chargers’ sidelines.

Durin was eventually ruled out the rest of the game with a concussion.

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Just two plays before the hit, James gave the Colts another 15 yards after ripping receiver Michael Pittman Jr.’s facemask off during a tackle.

Chargers safety Darwin James on the sidelines during a preseason game against the Rams at SoFi Stadium.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The NFL has made policing these hits to the head a priority in recent seasons, especially among visible and unnecessary tackles such as trolls on passer calls.

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There have been some questionable calls this season, but this was a consensus penalty.

Los Angeles Chargers safety Darwin James Jr. #3 warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Dec. 4, 2022.
(Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

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James is a key member of the Chargers’ defense, having 106 tackles, four sacks, four passes defended and two forced fumbles in 12 games this season.