The NFL issued James a one-game suspension Monday for repeated violations of playing rules that are intended to protect the health and safety of players, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. James is expected to appeal the ruling, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

EDGE Analysis

James already had three fines for hits on defenseless players on his resume, one from 2022 and two from last season, according to Jay Morrison of ProFootballNetwork.com. He also was fined for unnecessary roughness as a rookie in 2018. The ban issued Monday stems from James lowering his head and making forcible contact with Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth during Sunday's 20-10 loss at Pittsburgh. If James loses his appeal, he'll miss this coming Sunday's key matchup with the Chiefs, making his next potential game action Sunday, Oct. 13 in Denver following the Chargers' Week 5 bye.