Denzel Perryman, a linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers, is currently serving a two-game suspension without pay. The league issued this action after he endangered workers’ safety. On Tuesday, hearing officer Jordy Nelson affirmed the decision. Consequently, Perryman will sit out the Chargers’ last two regular-season contests, including the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos. The suspension hits at a key time for the team as they compete for a playoff position.
According to the consensus, Perryman is the Chargers’ top run-defending linebacker. In a primetime matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, he proved just how dominant he can be. He capped it off with six tackles, good for the second most on the team. His impressive performance was undone by a head-scratching penalty call on his part in the second quarter. Perryman delivered a helmet-to-helmet hit on Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy, who was already on the ground after making a catch. This was the play that resulted in the unnecessary roughness penalty and eventually went into his suspension.
Perryman’s history of infractions includes a previous suspension earlier in 2023 for a similar helmet-to-helmet hit on Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Coach Jim Harbaugh commented on the recent tackle, stating, “I thought he was trying to go over the tackle and over the ball carrier.” Despite the coach’s perspective, the league’s disciplinary committee took a strong stance against such actions, emphasizing the importance of player safety.
The linebacker is eligible to return to the Chargers’ active roster as early as January 5. At least, this is what he will have to watch from the sidelines. His squad will have to move forward without one of their most pivotal defensive standouts. Perryman’s absence could significantly impact the team’s defensive strategies in these last crucial games.
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