Bad news for Jim Harbaugh: one of his key defensive players will be unavailable for the Week 4 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes, and it’s not due to an injury.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during the second half of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. © Getty ImagesHead coach Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during the second half of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Los Angeles Chargers and Jim Harbaugh couldn’t prevent a loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3, marking the end of their two-game winning streak. Now, things could get even more challenging in Week 4 against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

The primary concern is the absence of safety Derwin James Jr., who has been suspended by the NFL for repeated violations of game rules. Video footage shows James lowering his head to make contact with an opponent during a dangerous hit.

Jim Harbaugh knows that not having Derwin James Jr. on defense will be a challenge against the Chiefs. The player likely to step in for James is AJ Finley, who joined the franchise in 2023 and has played in all three games of the 2024 season.

Following the matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, the Los Angeles Chargers will head into their bye week, returning to action in Week 6 for the first of two games against the Denver Broncos.

Derwin James Jr. in the 2024 Season

James has played in all three games this season, recording 15 solo tackles. His most productive game came in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he notched six solo tackles—one more than his total in Week 3 against the Steelers.

James has been with the Los Angeles Chargers since 2018, consistently playing in most seasons, except for 2019 when he appeared in just five games.