**Chargers' Coach Jim Harbaugh Disagrees with NFL's Suspension of Derwin James Jr.**

Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh expressed his disappointment following the NFL's decision to suspend safety Derwin James Jr. for this Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The suspension comes after James' contentious hit on Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth during the third quarter of the Chargers' recent 20-10 defeat.

James was penalized for unnecessary roughness for his tackle on Freiermuth. Harbaugh defended his player, arguing that Freiermuth's movement led to the perceived illegal hit. "Freiermuth was not in a defenseless position; he changed his course, and I believe that Derwin's helmet made contact due to a stiff-arm," Harbaugh pointed out. He emphasized that the initial contact involved James' forearm and shoulder before involving the head.

Harbaugh insisted that James’ technique adhered to the league's guidelines encouraging players to avoid using their heads during tackles. "It's difficult to keep the head completely out of the game because it’s naturally positioned between the shoulders," he said. "Derwin was making a genuine effort to comply by leading with his shoulder, though inevitably the helmet comes along."

James has accumulated seven unnecessary roughness penalties since his debut in the NFL in 2018, marking the second highest in the league over this period. However, Harbaugh highlighted James' ongoing efforts to minimize these infractions. He noted that James had even consulted officials during the offseason to better understand proper tackling techniques and has consistently shown restraint during games to avoid penalized hits.

"He proactively reached out to officials this past summer to gain clarity on the correct approach," Harbaugh said. "The game footage shows his dedication. He's been tactful in making sure his tackles don’t harm other players or involve his head unnecessarily. That’s why this suspension is such a letdown."

Despite Harbaugh's defense, the NFL upheld its decision. Jon Runyan, the vice president of football operations, explained that the video evidence indicated James had lowered his head, making avoidable and forceful helmet contact, which violates the league's safety rules.

Derrick Brooks, designated by both the NFL and the NFL Players' Association, heard James’ appeal but ultimately upheld the suspension. In response to James' absence, the Chargers may need to rely on backup safeties Elijah Molden and AJ Finley. Molden has already shown potential, with an interception performance that earned him recognition in the Chargers' Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers.