NFL Punishes Chargers Player for Actions Against Dallas Cowboys

The NFL has suspended Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman without pay for two games.

This occurs following a violent hit during Sunday’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboy.

NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport both reported the discipline Monday morning.

This is a a punishment the league says stems from repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect player safety.

Schefter noted the specific play involved Perryman delivering a forcible blow to the helmet of Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy while he was on the ground after completing a catch.

Rapoport added that the suspension was handed down without pay and emphasized the league’s focus on Perryman’s history, not just the single incident against Dallas.

The ruling immediately sparked backlash online, but the NFL was firm in its explanation, citing a pattern of dangerous play.

Perryman’s History With League Discipline

This suspension also reopens scrutiny on Perryman’s disciplinary history.

While with the Houston Texans in 2023, Perryman was initially suspended three games for a hit on Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

The penalty was reduced to two games on appeal.

In that case, the NFL cited repeated violations of player safety rules, language that reappeared in Monday’s ruling.

NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan gave his thoughts.

He previously wrote that Perryman had “an unobstructed path” to his opponent and that the illegal contact “could have been avoided,”

This was the exact theme that was echoed again in the league’s explanation this week.

With player safety enforcement tightening league-wide, his style of play is once again under the microscope.

This time, it comes at a critical part of the Chargers’ season as they fight for the AFC West.

Suspension Looms Large for Chargers

The timing could not be worse for the Los Angeles Chargers.  

They are locked in a tight AFC playoff race and even have a chance to win the AFC West if they win their final two games.

Perryman has been a core piece of the Chargers’ defense this season, serving as a physical tone-setter in the middle and a leader in run defense.

Through Week 16, Perryman ranks among the team’s top tacklers.

He has been heavily involved on early downs, particularly against the run and on short-yardage situations.

Losing him for two games puts added pressure on a defense already navigating injuries and depth concerns.

Against upcoming opponents in the Texans and Broncos fighting for playoff spots themselves, Perryman’s absence is a major loss.

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