The Los Angeles Chargers will be playing the rest of the regular season without starting linebacker Denzel Perryman, who has been suspended for two games by the NFL due to repeated violations of safety rules. The suspension, which is without pay, is a consequence of an incident that occurred during Sunday’s 34-17 victory against the Dallas Cowboys.
During the second quarter of the game, Perryman drew a penalty for unnecessary roughness after delivering a forcible hit to the helmet of Cowboys receiver Ryan Flournoy, who had already been brought down after making a catch. This action contravened NFL rules that are in place to prevent head and neck injuries by prohibiting the use of the helmet or facemask to initiate contact to an opponent’s head or neck area.
Perryman’s suspension means he will miss the final two games of the regular season against the Houston Texans in Week 17 and the Denver Broncos in Week 18. He will be eligible to return to the Chargers’ roster on January 5, following the conclusion of the season.
He has the option to appeal the suspension under the collective bargaining agreement, which would be reviewed by one of the appointed hearing officers—Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson. The Chargers, currently looking to secure a playoff berth, will need to adjust their defensive strategies in Perryman’s absence as they push to maintain their momentum after a fourth consecutive victory over the Cowboys.
This situation highlights the importance of player safety in the NFL and the league’s commitment to enforcing rules that protect athletes from dangerous plays.