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    Derwin James' injury adds to growing list of high-profile absences for Los Angeles Chargers

    Standout players are dropping like flies for the Chargers.
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    With an interesting Week 1 match-up against the Indianapolis Colts looming, the Los Angeles Chargers have a mounting roster issue. On Friday, All-Pro safety Derwin James suffered a stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal on his right foot and the standout defender was seen in a walking boot while the team indicated no timetable for his return to on-field action. Even in isolation, James' injury is significant, as he is a top-tier defender that is virtually irreplaceable for the Chargers. 

    "He never has to come off the field," Chargers Pro Bowl safety Casey Hayward told The Ringer. "You've got a guy that can do every position. If a guy goes down at linebacker, he can just move into the linebacker [position]. If somebody goes down here, he can just move into here. Shit, he can even play corner and nickel, so his versatility helps us as a defense. He's probably one of the most special guys in the NFL."

    Though Los Angeles does have intriguing depth defensively, the Chargers already had significant absences on the other side of the ball. Recently, star wide receiver Keenan Allen was essentially ruled out for the preseason with an ankle injury and, prior to that, the team's best offensive tackle, Russell Okung, was sidelined with a significant medical issue. Beyond that, Pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon continues his holdout and, even with Philip Rivers on board to captain the ship, the Chargers suddenly have an issue with available talent. 

    The Chargers are still seen as a top-10 team in the NFL, at least according to future odds to win the Super Bowl, but the current roster simply isn't indicative of an elite-level squad. It should be noted that Allen is seemingly on track for the regular season and Gordon could return at any moment. In the same breath, Okung's absence could be sharply felt and no NFL team could properly account for this kind of overall injury situation.

    James is perhaps the second-most irreplaceable piece, trailing only Rivers, on the Chargers' roster and additional information will be critical in assessing the team's future outlook. For now, Los Angeles isn't close to full strength and it's only mid-August. 

    Brad Rowland

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