Chargers’ Denzel Perryman Suspended Two Games Following Dangerous Hit on Cowboys Receiver
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers will be without linebacker Denzel Perryman for the final two games of the regular season after the NFL handed down a suspension for repeated violations of safety rules. The league’s decision came in response to a forceful and dangerous hit Perryman delivered to Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy during Sunday’s game, which the NFL classified as unnecessary roughness.
Perryman, 33, was flagged for delivering a “forcible blow to the helmet” while Flournoy was already on the ground, violating rules designed to protect players from head and neck injuries. The NFL emphasized that Perryman breached the regulation prohibiting the use of any part of the helmet or facemask to make forcible contact with an opponent’s head or neck area. This suspension marks a significant disciplinary action following Perryman’s history of similar infractions.
Over his 11-year career, Perryman has faced multiple fines and suspensions related to illegal helmet use and roughing the passer. Notably, he missed three games in 2023 due to a suspension for impermissible helmet use. The NFL’s latest ruling underscores the league’s ongoing commitment to player safety and its intolerance for repeat offenses. Perryman has announced plans to appeal the suspension.
The Chargers are currently vying for a playoff spot with two games remaining. They will face the Houston Texans in Week 17, a team also fighting for postseason positioning, followed by a Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos, who have already secured a playoff berth. Depending on the outcomes, the final game could determine the division title. Currently, the Chargers hold the top wild card spot in the AFC but would have to play their first playoff game on the road, a scenario they faced last season when they were defeated by the Texans at NRG Stadium.
Perryman has been a key contributor for the Chargers this season, appearing in 10 games and recording 47 combined tackles along with three passes defended. Drafted in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami, he has been a consistent presence on the Chargers’ defense.
The NFL’s disciplinary action follows a broader league effort to enforce rules protecting player health, as outlined by the NFL Player Health & Safety program. The league’s focus on reducing dangerous helmet-to-helmet contact aligns with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on concussion prevention in sports.
Chargers head coach Brandon Staley and team officials have yet to publicly comment on the suspension, but the loss of Perryman is expected to impact the team’s defensive strategies in the critical closing stretch of the season. The Chargers’ pursuit of a playoff berth will now rely on adjustments to compensate for the absence of their veteran linebacker.
For more on NFL disciplinary policies and player safety initiatives, visit the NFL Players Association and the USA Football websites. As the Chargers prepare for their upcoming matchups, the league’s enforcement of safety rules serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in balancing competitive play with player health.
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