Los Angeles Chargers' star safety Derwin James was ejected from the win over the Indianapolis Colts after he crunched a receiver and knocked both players into the concussion protocol.
On Monday night, James returned from a quad injury after a two-game absence and made a phenomenal interception early to celebrate being named to his third Pro Bowl. However, he made a more memorable play later in the game.
With the Chargers leading 7-0 in the second quarter, James smashed into defenceless Colts receiver Ashton Dulin by leading with his helmet. It meant James’ return was short-lived as he was ejected for the tackle, which NFL officials are trying to phase out due to their dangerous nature.
The tackle occurred when James charged full speed towards Dulin and connected viciously with the receiver’s upper body. He first collided with his shoulder before his head and neck area, knocking him to the turf.
While the tackle didn’t include initial helmet-to-helmet contact, Dulin was ruled a defenceless receiver as he had barely turned upfield after collecting a pass from Colts quarterback Nick Foles before James hit him. Dulin received medical attention on the sideline before walking to the locker room under his own power, motioning to the Indianapolis crowd with a thumbs up before he was later ruled out for the rest of the game with a concussion.
Meanwhile, James visited the blue medical tent after he was penalised for unnecessary roughness. The hit came just two plays after James was disciplined for a face mask on Michael Pittman Jr., and it appeared to leave the safety worse for wear than Dulin as he wobbled and was slow to rise to his feet before he was whisked off to be evaluated for a concussion.
In real time, the hit sounded like something had exploded in the vicinity with the crowd immediately reacting. ESPN analyst Troy Aikman said: “We've watched a lot of football, I don't know if I've seen a hit quite like that. That was as big of a collision as I've seen in a long, long time.”
The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and NFL legend suggested some of the blame lay with Foles. Aikman noted that quarterbacks should take some of the responsibility for big hits receivers take by putting them in spots where they are defenceless against oncoming defenders.
After the 20-3 win, Chargers head coach Brandon Staley confirmed James had entered concussion protocol. While he reportedly won’t be suspended for his hit on Dulin, James could face a fine for aggressiveness and the fee could be as high as $21,218 for using his helmet according to the NFL and NFL Players Association.
James may not be suspended, but the 26-year-old’s status for the next Chargers match is unclear. Los Angeles booked their place in the playoffs already, but they will look to improve their 9-6 record against the Rams at SoFi Stadium on New Year’s Day.
