With the Los Angeles Chargers within the thick of the playoff race within the AFC, the workforce will now play its remaining two games of the common season with out a key participant on protection. Linebacker Denzel Perryman was suspended for 2 games following “repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players,” the league introduced.
Perryman’s suspension got here a day after he was penalized for pointless roughness after a helmet-to-helmet hit on Dallas Cowboys wideout Ryan Flournoy. After making a catch, Flournoy discovered himself sitting on the bottom. As Flournoy tried to stand up, Perryman got here in to ship hit on to Flournoy’s head.
Flournoy was pressured to depart the competition because of a knee damage. He completed the competition — a 34-17 Cowboys loss — with two catches for 18 yards and a landing.
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Perryman has confronted numerous fines for helmet-to-helmet hits over his profession. In each 2023 and 2024, Perryman acquired fines of $66,666 for “impermissible use of the helmet.” His earlier punishments could have factored into the NFL’s resolution to droop Perryman for the ultimate two games of the common season.
Perryman has began 10 games for the Chargers this season. He has 47 mixed tackles on the yr, which is tied for fifth on the workforce. Perryman additionally has three passes defended and 4 quarterback hits this season.
Perryman appealed the choice, however the league upheld it on Tuesday. He will now be eligible to rejoin the Chargers on Jan. 5, after the workforce’s Week 18 sport towards the Denver Broncos.
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The Chargers will play the Houston Texans in Week 17 earlier than ending out the season towards the AFC West main Broncos in Week 18. Denver is one among two AFC groups to have already clinched a playoff spot. Like the Chargers, the Texans are preventing to safe their postseason spot.