LOS ANGELES -- The NFL on Monday suspended Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. for one game without pay, citing "repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players, including during Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers."
James will appeal the suspension, according to a source. If the suspension is upheld, James would be eligible to return to the Chargers' active roster on Monday, Sept. 30, after missing the team's Sept. 29 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
James was flagged for unnecessary roughness for a hit to Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth in the third quarter of Los Angeles' 20-10 loss.