Chargers’ Derwin James, Vikings’ Christian Darrisaw ruled out with injuries

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. was ruled out against the Minnesota Vikings with an ankle injury.

James exited the game after just one defensive series in the first quarter of the “Thursday Night Football” matchup. His last play was a third-and-1 for the Vikings in which James blitzed off the right side of the defense and helped force Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz to throw the ball away, leading to a punt.

James went to the locker room to be evaluated and returned to the field in the second half in street clothes and wearing a boot on his right foot.

His loss is significant for the Chargers’ defense. James leads the team with 49 tackles this season and had played every defensive snap entering Week 7. He has also recorded three passes defended plus one interception in a Week 6 win against the Miami Dolphins.

Safety Tony Jefferson also left the Vikings game early with a hamstring injury. With a depleted secondary, the Chargers turned to rookie RJ Mickens.

Vikings left tackle Christian Darrisaw was also ruled out with a knee injury.

Darrisaw, who missed the first two games of the season while recovering from a torn ACL suffered last year, was questionable leading into Thursday with knee soreness. His absence is a big loss for the Vikings’ offensive line. Wentz was sacked three times in the first half, including twice in a row leading into halftime with Minnesota trailing 21-3.

The Vikings also ruled out tight end Josh Oliver with a foot injury.