Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James has been suspended without pay for one game for "repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players," the NFL announced Monday.
James' one-game ban comes after a third-quarter hit on Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth in Sunday's 20-10 loss to Pittsburgh where the safety lowered his head to make contact. Freiermuth picked up 15 yards and a first down on the catch-and-run, and James was flagged 15 yards for unnecessary roughness.
"During the third quarter of Sunday's Chargers-Steelers game you were involved in a play that the League considers a serious violation of the playing rules," NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan said in a statement, explaining that James has had multiple offenses for personal fouls in previous years. "The video of the play shows that you lowered your head and made forcible contact to Steelers tight end, Pat Freiermuth. You had an unobstructed path to your opponent and the illegal contact could have been avoided.
"Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated. Substantial penalties are warranted when players violate the rules intended to protect player safety on a repeated basis, particularly when the violations carry with them a significant risk of injury to an opposing player."
James will appeal the suspension, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Monday.
If the ban stands, James will miss L.A.'s Week 4 clash with the Kansas City Chiefs and will be eligible to return on Monday, Sept. 30 ahead of the Chargers' Week 5 bye. Los Angeles (2-1) takes on the Denver Broncos in Week 6.
