Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers center Bradley Bozeman stuck up for his quarterback and was rewarded for it on Sunday.

Bozeman earned a game ball from head coach Jim Harbaugh and was celebrated by his teammates after responding to unnecessary roughness committed by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd against Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert with a big hit of his own, per ESPN's Kris Rhim.

everybody gets a game ball pic.twitter.com/7aeTqLZkUt

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 28, 2024

In the second quarter of the Chargers' 26-8 win over the Saints, Herbert's legs were wrapped up by Shepherd after he had already completed a pass. Bozeman responded by shoving Shepherd into the ground, with both players picking up unnecessary roughness penalties.

"It was probably one of the dirtier plays I've ever seen," Bozeman said, via Rhim. "You protect your quarterback no matter what. And I think any of our offensive linemen that was in my position would've done the same thing."

#Chargers C Bradley Bozeman on Saints DL Nathan Shepherd's hit on QB Justin Herbert, "it was probably one of the dirtier plays I've ever seen."

Bozeman added, "Protect your quarterback no matter what." pic.twitter.com/YJbbOEDcRX

— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) October 28, 2024

Herbert has been able to suit up in all seven of Los Angeles' contests this season, but he's been hampered by a right ankle sprain that he suffered in Week 2. While Harbaugh didn't necessarily agree with Bozeman's response, he didn't blame him for retaliating, either.

"Everybody knows Justin's got a bad ankle," Harbaugh said. "I don't blame [Bozeman]. I don't encourage it at all, but I don't blame him."

Bozeman has earned an overall grade of just 53.7 from Pro Football Focus in his first season with the Chargers, but he's allowed just one sack in 198 pass-blocking snaps.

Regardless of his play on the field, the 29-year-old endeared himself to his coaching staff and teammates by defending Herbert on Sunday.

Following the Los Angeles Chargers' 17-15 loss against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night, fans criticized head coach Jim Harbaugh for the lack of offensive effort in a game where the Chargers failed to score any touchdowns.

After a lack-luster offensive game for both sides, Chad Ryland sealed the win for Arizona with a 32-yard field goal:

CARDS WIN. CARDS WIN. CARDS WIN. CARDS WIN. CARDS WIN. pic.twitter.com/XJu4ndtUZH

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 22, 2024

Kyler Murray and the Cardinals improved to 3-4 on the season, while the Chargers dropped to 3-3 in Harbaugh's first season with the team.

After scoring just six points in the first half, all by field goal kicker Cameron Dicker, quarterback Justin Herbert completed 27-of-39 passes for 349 yards with no turnovers. Tight end Will Dissly added 81 yards with eight receptions.

this throw. this catch.

📺 | @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/BGoX4fEaI4

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 22, 2024

On the other side of the ball, Murray completed 14-of-26 passes for 145 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.

Harbaugh and the Chargers have faced criticism all season for their conservative play-calling and the lack of talent surrounding their team's franchise quarterback both at the receiving end and in its offensive line. Herbert was sacked three times on 13 hurries with 12 incompletions, not many of which were his fault.

dicker again pic.twitter.com/01tFMQYhaJ

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 22, 2024

Specifically on Monday night, Harbaugh faced criticism for his decision to bring out Dicker for a fourth-and-3 play at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Fans would have fully supported going for it with Herbert at the helm, as he converted 15-of-32 fourth-down attempts last season.

As the Chargers fall to an even record on the season, Los Angeles fans remain unimpressed with Harbaugh in his first year back in the NFL since 2014 and took to social media to criticize him.

Jim Harbaugh told everyone who would listen that he loves Justin Herbert’s game so much, and gives him Greg Roman as an OC and zero receivers.

The irony is staggering, truly a decision!

— Dalton Pence (@dpence_) October 22, 2024

When I see what Harbaugh and Roman have done to Justin Herbert’s stats: pic.twitter.com/ncHou7Tx1k

— Fantasy Philosopher (@FFrealitycheck) October 22, 2024

Jim Harbaugh has been a bad game manager this season. like really bad

— alex katson 🇯🇵 (@alexkatson) October 22, 2024

https://twitter.com/BuccaneerMick/status/1848550975893541330

Some of the ball placement on these incomplete passes are incredible by Justin Herbert

— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) October 22, 2024

Justin Herbert with back-to-back perfect passes to his TEs but both were dropped. Tough catches, but the ball hit their hands on each play.

Herbert legitimately doing everything he can.

— Michael Peterson (@ZoneTracks) October 22, 2024

Jim Harbaugh doesn't trust Justin Herbert to get three yards?

— Alterraun⚡ (@Hockfan445) October 22, 2024

this is the ultimate Justin Herbert game: he's playing out of his mind and they have 4 field goals

— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) October 22, 2024

https://twitter.com/billdifilippo/status/1848563896036049088

Next Sunday, the Chargers will seek redemption as they face the 2-5 New Orleans Saints at home.

Not everyone can turn an atrial flutter into an opportunity to brag about their heart, but Jim Harbaugh is a very unique person.

The Los Angeles Chargers head coach told reporters his cardiologist told him he has "the heart of an athlete" during an appointment on Wednesday.

"He said stress test was really good, too. I think he used the word 'incredible', I think he did," Harbaugh added. "That my stamina was incredible and heart got stronger as it was more stressed. Back in rhythm, hopefully that sticks. Got the monitor on. Good news, I took that as a compliment. Blue twisted steel. Feel good about that."

Harbaugh left the sideline during the first quarter of Sunday's win over the Denver Broncos. He returned a short time later and said at his postgame press conference he had an "atrial flutter" that previously affected him during a Monday night game when he coached the San Francisco 49ers in 2012.

HC Jim Harbaugh says he had an "atrial flutter" episode today and that his heart got back into normal rhythm after he walked off the field.

He jokes: "I am medically qualified to talk about it."

"2-0 with arrythmias."-he says he had another one during a MNF game in SF. pic.twitter.com/qb0NzvXPbg

— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) October 13, 2024

Harbaugh said on Monday he would be wearing a heart monitor for the next two weeks, along with taking a blood thinner and another medication that will prevent his heart rate from spiking.

There's no indication at this point that Harbaugh will need any sort of procedure right now, but he explained he could require one in the future. The 60-year-old previously had an ablation procedure in 1999 and 2012.

Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter filled in as head coach against the Broncos while Harbaugh was in the locker room.

Harbaugh made his way back to the field to see the Chargers earn a 23-16 victory that improved their record to 3-2. They will play the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Week 7 on Monday Night Football.

Veteran corner back Eli Apple is set to be signed by the Los Angeles Chargers, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The #Chargers are signing veteran CB Eli Apple, per source.

Apple will start out on the practice squad. His agent, Kevin Conner of @UniSportsMgmt, confirmed the move. pic.twitter.com/InhEKnaWoh

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 14, 2024

The 29-year-old, who previously played with the Miami Dolphins, will start out with the practice squad.

Apple was the No. 10 pick in the 2016 NFL draft out of Ohio State.

The signing comes at the perfect time for the Chargers after they lost Kristian Fulton and Deane Leonard during Los Angeles' Week 6 victory over the Denver Broncos. Both are listed as questionable going into Week 7.

Apple recorded 46 tackles and one quarterback hit in 2023. The vet has faced a significant number of injuries in the past, including playing in just two games in 2020 due to a hamstring injury.

The Chargers will be Apple's sixth team in his nine years in the league.

It's possible he will be elevated from the practice squad for the Chargers' game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, considering the injuries at the position.

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh experienced a medical scare and had to temporarily leave Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos because of an atrial flutter, so he is taking the necessary steps moving forward.

Per ESPN's Kris Rhim, Harbaugh said Monday he will wear a heart monitor for two weeks and also take a blood thinner and other medication.

"It would take my heart stopping for me not to be out there on the sideline," he said.

Rhim explained the 60-year-old saw a cardiologist Monday and was told he may need to undergo a medical procedure in the future even though there is no immediate need for one.

Harbaugh underwent an ablation in 1999 and 2012. The ablation procedure destroys heart tissue causing an irregular heartbeat through the use of heat or cold.

He went to the locker room in the first quarter of Sunday's game and underwent an electrocardiogram scan. When his heart returned to a more typical rhythm, he returned to the sidelines.

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter served as the interim head coach when Harbaugh was in the locker room.

Minter is familiar with Harbaugh and the head coach's system, as he was also the defensive coordinator for Michigan during the 2022 and 2023 campaigns. Harbaugh coached the Wolverines for nine years before joining the Chargers this past offseason.

Fortunately for Los Angeles, the coach returned and helped lead the team to a 23-16 victory over the division-rival Broncos.

Justin Herbert threw for 237 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions, while J.K. Dobbins ran for 96 yards and a score. The defense also forced two turnovers and held Denver scoreless until the fourth quarter.

Next up for the Chargers is a Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7.

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh had a slight scare early in Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos when he had to briefly leave the sidelines for a medical issue.

After returning to the game, Harbaugh told AJ Ross of CBS Sports that he was "dealing with arrhythmia," and it's something he's dealt with "on and off for a while."

"He said he was dealing with arrhythmia — that's something he's been dealing with on and off for a while."@AJRoss_TV spoke to Jim Harbaugh about briefly leaving today's game pic.twitter.com/zAkQkpESoy

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) October 13, 2024

The coach provided more details while talking to reporters after the game:

HC Jim Harbaugh says he had an "atrial flutter" episode today and that his heart got back into normal rhythm after he walked off the field.

He jokes: "I am medically qualified to talk about it."

"2-0 with arrythmias."-he says he had another one during a MNF game in SF. pic.twitter.com/qb0NzvXPbg

— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) October 13, 2024

Harbaugh was examined in the blue medical tent before walking back to the locker room with trainers. The Chargers initially announced that Harbaugh was questionable to return to the game due to an illness. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter served as interim head coach in his brief absence.

An arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, is described by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute as "a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. Your heart may beat too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm." The condition is treatable by medication or procedures, but if it goes untreated, it can have life-threatening consequences.

Harbaugh is known for his high energy, and the Chargers gave him much to be excited about by jumping out to a 23-0 lead over the first three quarters of Sunday's game. Los Angeles appears to be on the verge of ending a two-game skid and improving to 3-2.

Harbaugh is in his first season back in the NFL after serving as head coach at Michigan for the last nine years and leading the team to the 2023 national championship. Chargers fans are certainly hoping that his pedigree for success will bring fortune to a team that has missed the playoffs in four of the last five years.

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James has no plans of changing his play style despite a one-game suspension from the NFL.

James missed the Chargers' matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday due to repeated violations of the league's playing rules.

"No, it ain't going to change s--t," James said, per ESPN's Kris Rhim. "It's definitely not going to change nothing. Like I said, I'm just going to go lower. I'm not going to change. I'm going to play my style, but like I said, I'll just go lower."

James' suspension came after he made forcible contact with Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth with his helmet in Week 3. The hit led to a flag for unnecessary roughness.

He received the following message from the NFL following the suspension, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Officially, Derwin James is suspended for forcible contact with his helmet. From NFL executive Jon Runyan to James: https://t.co/t919WkmbTl pic.twitter.com/EDw1AKrdjn

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2024

He appealed the suspension but was unsuccessful, meaning he had to sit out for one game.

"They told me the violation, the rule I broke and that was really it," James said of the hearing, per Rhim. "It wasn't, you know, [about] how I could get better or what they're calling."

The play marked the seventh time James has been flagged for unnecessary roughness in his career, tied for the second most in the NFL since 2018. While he plans to continue the big hits that have helped him make a name for himself, he said he'll look to hit players beneath the ball rather than above.

"I'm not going to keep paying 700, 800 thousand [dollars]," James said.

James had a career-high 125 tackles last season, also picking up a pair of sacks, an interception and seven passes deflected. Through three games this year, he has 21 tackles and a sack.

Following the Chargers' bye week this week, Los Angeles will take on the Denver Broncos on Oct. 13.

Justin Herbert will be under center for the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Herbert is "expected to start" in the matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs "barring a pregame setback" despite his diagnosed high-ankle sprain.

#Chargers QB Justin Herbert is expected to start again this week against the #Chiefs, barring a pregame setback with his high-ankle sprain, per me, @TomPelissero and @MikeGarafolo.

LAC will be short-handed with several big names out. But Herbert likely plays if all goes well. pic.twitter.com/RiPoE2rw7z

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2024

Herbert exited the Chargers' Week 3 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers but had already been dealing with the injury prior to that matchup. He has not missed a game yet in 2024.

Herbert was listed as "questionable" during the week but had reportedly shown progress ahead of the pivotal Week 4 matchup. He initially injured the ankle during the Chargers' Week 2 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

He has thrown for 399 yards with four touchdowns and one interception thus far in 2024, helping the Chargers get out to a 2-1 start to the season. Losing Herbert for the Chiefs game would be massive, as earning a victory over the division rival would be a major boost to the team going forward and not having Herbert makes that task even more daunting.

While he is expected to play, Los Angeles hopes he can play at a high level and make it through the matchup without further injury. If he is deemed unavailable at game time, Easton Stick will likely step in as the starter.

Detroit Pistons governor Tom Gores is set to join the ownership group of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Per Ben Fischer and Chris Smith of the Sports Business Journal, Gores has a deal in place to purchase 27 percent of the NFL franchise.

The deal is pending approval from the NFL's other team owners at a vote scheduled for the league's annual fall meeting taking place from Oct. 15-16 in Atlanta.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk noted Gores will not have any path to a controlling stake, nor will he have any day-to-day involvement with the club.

Chargers' ownership was in a state of uncertainty for a brief period due to a dispute between controlling owner Dean Spanos and his sister, Dea Spanos Berberian.

The Athletic's Daniel Kaplan reported in August 2022 that Berberian, who filed a petition seeking the sale of the team in 2021 because the family trust was in significant debt, backed off her efforts to force a sale.

Kaplan noted the Spanos family trust, which owns 36 percent of the Chargers, noted Berberian's motion filed in court said that selling something less than that full stake "in an orderly, professional and cooperative fashion could resolve the Trust's financial problems."

Eben Novy-Williams and Scott Soshnick of Spotrico reported in March 2023 that Berberian was looking to sell 24 percent of the franchise, including her personal 15 percent stake, and the equity she holds via the family trust.

After NFL owners voted in August to allow private equity funds to purchase a stake of up to 10 percent in a franchise, the Chargers were among the teams mentioned as potentially being interested in such a scenario.

Financial details of the sale are unclear at this point. Using Forbes' team value rankings, the Chargers are worth $5.1 billion. A 27 percent stake at that valuation would equate to $1.38 billion.

Gores, who has an estimated net worth of $9.4 billion, became the Pistons' majority governor in June 2011. He became the sole governor in September 2015 by purchasing the 49 percent stake held by Platinum Equity.

The Spanos family has been the controlling owner of the Chargers since 1984 when Alexander Spanos, father of Dean and Dea, purchased the club. Dean took over day-to-day operations in 1994 when he was named team president and CEO.

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is "disappointed" in the NFL's decision to suspend safety Derwin James Jr. for one game for "repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players," with the capper being a tackle leading to helmet-to-helmet contact on Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth last Sunday.

"He genuinely does not want to hurt any other player and the film is Exhibit A," Harbaugh said Wednesday, per Daniel Popper of The Athletic.

"(The tackles) have been, in my opinion, as I've looked at the tape, exactly what you would want somebody (to do), what the league is trying to get to, which is take the head out of the game. But you can't ever really take the head out of the game because it's in between the two shoulders."

Jon Runyan, the NFL's Vice President of Policy and Rules Administration, had this to say on the matter to James.

Officially, Derwin James is suspended for forcible contact with his helmet. From NFL executive Jon Runyan to James: https://t.co/t919WkmbTl pic.twitter.com/EDw1AKrdjn

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2024

James appealed the suspension, but the ruling was upheld by hearing officer Derrick Brooks.

After his team's 20-10 road loss, James was asked about the play, which led to a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness.

"Like I said, I don't want to keep the drive going," he told reporters. "I'm trying to get the guy on the ground. I don't feel like I hit him in the head or neck, but we'll look at it."

Per Joe Reedy of the Associated Press, James "has five unnecessary roughness penalties in his last 18 games, the most in the league by a defensive player." In addition, those penalties have all "involved blows to the head of an opponent with his shoulder or helmet."

Before the latest infraction, James was fined five times for a total of $127,792. They were for unnecessary roughness (2018), excessive facemask (2018) and hits to a defenseless receiver (one in 2022, two in 2023).

James is now suspended without pay for one game, costing him $708,333, per Spotrac.

As for Harbaugh, the coach defended the two-time First Team All-Pro on Wednesday, and that follows up his remarks in defense of James on Monday.

"Derwin's going to keep doing Derwin," Harbaugh said, per Popper. "He has found that sweet spot of playing very aggressively and within the rules, all at the same time. That's what I've noticed. And he showed it yesterday. … He's doing everything that he should and can be doing."

Regardless of his stance, James will be out for Week 4, which is an important AFC West matchup against the 3-0 Kansas City Chiefs. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.