Chargers Place Derwin James Jr. on Injured Reserve

The Los Angeles Chargers placed safety Derwin James Jr. on injured reserve Saturday, October 31, and signed cornerback Isas Waxter to the active roster. The club also elevated cornerback Kaiir Elam from its practice squad before Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.

James will miss at least four more games after the roster move. He had already been ruled out against the Rams with a hamstring injury after missing every practice this week. Cornerbacks Donte Jackson and Rodney Shelley remained questionable with hamstring injuries, leaving additional uncertainty in the Chargers’ secondary.

Waxter spent the 2025 season on the Chargers’ practice squad after entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Seattle. He has appeared twice this season through standard elevations. At Villanova, he recorded 108 tackles, three interceptions and 19 passes defensed across 46 games over five seasons, according to the Chargers.

Elam brings more NFL experience to the additional cornerback depth. A first-round selection by Buffalo in 2022, he has played 43 regular season games with 19 starts for the Bills, Dallas and Tennessee. His career totals include 111 tackles, two interceptions and eight passes defensed. He also has five postseason appearances, including one start.

The Chargers return from their Week 7 bye seeking their first victory after an 0–6 start. They are the designated road team against the Rams, who enter 3–4. Defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary’s unit faces an offense featuring quarterback Matthew Stafford, running back Kyren Williams and receiver Puka Nacua.

Los Angeles also ruled out guard Kayode Awosika, defensive back Deane Leonard and receiver Brenen Thompson for Sunday. Awosika has a fibula injury, Leonard has a concussion and Thompson is also dealing with quad and hamstring issues. Jackson and Shelley were limited participants in Friday’s practice, according to the injury report.