BREAKING: The NFL has upheld Denzel Perryman’s two-game suspension, forcing the Los Angeles Chargers to turn to Troy Dye as his replacement for crucial upcoming matchups. Perryman will miss the Chargers’ final regular-season games against the Houston Texans on Saturday at SoFi Stadium and against the Denver Broncos on either January 3 or 4.
This decision comes after Perryman was penalized for a helmet-to-helmet hit during last Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. The NFL stated that the suspension was due to “repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players.” Perryman’s absence will be felt, especially as the Chargers push for playoff positioning.
Chargers’ defensive coordinator Jesse Minter expressed confidence in Dye stepping up, stating, “We’ve won a lot of games the last couple of years in key sequences when Troy’s been our linebacker.” Dye, who is the Chargers’ third-leading tackler with 50 tackles, previously filled in for Perryman during a five-game absence earlier this season due to a hamstring injury.
Del’Shawn Phillips may also fill in for Perryman, given his strong performance in special teams this season. Minter highlighted Phillips’ “violence and physicality” and said he is excited about the potential opportunity for him to contribute on defense.
As the Chargers prepare for these pivotal games, they also made adaptations due to severe weather conditions. The team held practice at SoFi Stadium instead of their usual facility, avoiding muddy conditions from an atmospheric river affecting the area. Safety Derwin James Jr. remarked on the experience, stating, “It felt good” to practice where they will compete on Saturday.
Injury updates: Wide receiver Derius Davis (ankle), safety RJ Mickens (shoulder), offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer (hamstring), safety Benjamin St-Juste (shoulder), and running back Kimani Vidal (neck) did not participate in practice. Meanwhile, guard Mekhi Becton (knee), outside linebacker Bud Dupree (back), and defensive lineman Teair Tart (groin) were limited participants.
The Chargers are gearing up for a critical period as the playoff race intensifies. With Perryman sidelined, all eyes will be on Dye and Phillips to step up and help the team secure vital wins in the coming week.
