The Chargers will open the season without one of their best defensive players and may not get him back at all in 2019.
All-Pro safety Derwin James is set to miss at least three months after undergoing surgery on his broken right foot, NFL Media reported Saturday.
The team said James broke the fifth metatarsal in his right foot.
Chargers beat writers noted earlier Friday that James was wearing a walking boot.
Chargers safety Derwin James has a walking boot on his right leg and is not practicing today. Not good.
— Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams) August 16, 2019
Losing the 23-year-old for an extended period would be a significant blow to the Los Angeles defense, though if his recovery goes well he could rejoin the team for the playoffs.
The former Florida State standout was the 17th overall pick in last year's draft and started all 16 games as a rookie, making the Pro Bowl and earning first-team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press and Pro Football Writers of America.
The Chargers already are playing without running back Melvin Gordon, who is holding out of camp in a contract dispute.
