Chargers’ Derwin James could return to practice this week

The Chargers could be getting their star defender back at practice this week.

According to head coach Brandon Staley, Derwin James could return to practice this week ahead of Monday’s game against the Colts.

“He’s progressing,” Staley said of James. “We are hoping to see him back in practice at some point this week. With the extra day, we’re going to make sure that we take full advantage of it, but I still consider him day-to-day.

He’s feeling better, for sure. If you were able to see him work out during pregame, he is trending in the right direction.”

James has missed the last two games due to a quadriceps injury he sustained in Week 13 against the Raiders.

Even without James on the field, Los Angeles still played at a high level in its victories over the Dolphins and Titans.

Over the past two weeks, the Bolts rank third in defensive DVOA.

Alohi Gilman, who’s filled in as the starter for James, has been playing really good football alongside Nasir Adderley.

Getting the do-it-all defender back will be huge as the Bolts hit the final three games of the season and likely into the playoffs.