Report: Derwin James among key players set to miss Dolphins-Chargers showdown

The Miami Dolphins will have an advantage in their matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday as safety Derwin James is among those who will reportedly miss the game.

According to ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry, four key Chargers players are set to miss the showdown.

“Safety Derwin James Jr., defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day and cornerback Bryce Callahan will be out because of injuries, a source told ESPN,” wrote Thiry.

“Right tackle Trey Pipkins III, listed as doubtful, also is expected to be out as he continues to nurse a knee injury that sidelined him last Sunday.”

Miami’s offense might be able to fare better than it did in its Week 13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. After all, James, a first-round selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, has been one of the most impactful defenders for the Chargers this season.

The two-time Pro Bowler leads the team with 106 total tackles, three more than linebacker Drue Tranquill’s total. In addition, James has four sacks, four passes defended and one interception in 12 games.

As for Joseph-Day, the starting defensive linesman’s absence will further deplete the Chargers’ depth on defense. As it stands, several Chargers players are already on the injury report.

As for the Dolphins, they have not yet released their inactive list ahead of the Week 14 tiff. Hopefully, it will not include any notable names as the team will likely treat the Sunday contest as a must-win game in order to catch up to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East.

Miami is currently behind the 9-3 Bills in the division with an 8-4 standing. The loss to the 49ers last Sunday stopped the Dolphins’ five-game win streak, which had previously allowed the team to take the division lead over Buffalo.

A win over the Chargers, who have a 6-6 record, would give the Dolphins a needed boost ahead of their anticipated matchup with the Bills in Week 15. That contest will certainly go a long way toward deciding who wins the division this season.

Dolphins fans are hoping for favorable outcomes in the team’s next two contests so that its chances of making it back to the playoffs increase significantly. Miami has missed the last five postseasons, with its last appearance coming in the 2016 season.