The NFL has suspended Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman for two games without pay, citing "repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players" following a concerning hit on Dallas Cowboys receiver Ryan Flournoy. Perryman delivered a forcible blow to Flournoy's helmet while the receiver was already on the ground, violating the rule that prohibits using any part of the helmet or facemask to make forcible contact to an opponent's head or neck area.
This isn't Perryman's first encounter with league discipline. He had to sit out three games in 2023 for impermissible use of his helmet and has been fined four times over his 11-year career for either poor helmet use or roughing the passer. Perryman plans to appeal his suspension, and the Chargers, currently vying for a playoff spot, face crucial games against the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos in the coming weeks.
The Chargers' defense, led by coordinator Jesse Minter, has been a solid force this season, ranked third in yards allowed per game and eighth in points allowed. Despite the suspension, Perryman remains a key player, having accumulated 47 combined tackles and three passes defended in 10 games for the Chargers.
