Chargers' Derwin James ejected for violent hit against Colts' Ashton Dulin on 'Monday Night Football'

Dan Treacy

•
Chargers' Derwin James ejected for violent hit against Colts' Ashton Dulin on 'Monday Night Football' image

Chargers safety Derwin James had his Monday night end early against the Colts when he was ejected for one of the biggest hits of his career.

Follow Chargers vs. Colts 'MNF' game live

James appeared to lead with the crown of his helmet as he hit Colts receiver Ashton Dulin, who was ruled to be defenseless as he attempted to catch a pass from Nick Foles in the second quarter.

While it looked as though James was aiming for Dulin's shoulder and made contact with it first, leading with the head against a defenseless player often leads to an ejection. James was seen pointing to his shoulder as he walked off the field, as if to say he hit Dulin's shoulder.

Dulin was later ruled out with a concussion. James also appeared to be shaken up on the play, and Brandon Staley revealed after the game that he entered concussion protocol as well.

MORE: Why is Justin Herbert called a 'social media quarterback'?

James was making his return to action Monday after missing two games with an injury. He had made his presence felt in the first quarter with an impressive interception of Foles.

Though he has a reputation as a heavy hitter, this was James' first NFL ejection.

The Chargers are looking to clinch their first playoff berth since 2018. They will need James in the coming weeks if they want to solidify their positioning and make a run. It's unknown whether the NFL will further discipline James.

Dan Treacy

Dan Treacy Photo

Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News, joining in 2022 after graduating from Boston University. He founded @allsportsnews on Instagram in 2012 and has written for Lineups and Yardbarker.