Linebacker Denzel Perryman will miss the Los Angeles Chargers’ last two regular-season games after his appeal of a league-issued suspension was denied on Tuesday.
The punishment resulted from “repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players,” according to the NFL.
Hearing officer Jordy Nelson, a former NFL wide receiver, turned down Perryman’s appeal. Nelson was jointly appointed by the league and the players association.
Among the plays the NFL cited in handing down the suspension was a hit to the helmet of Ryan Flournoy after the Cowboys receiver was down following a catch on Sunday. The play drew a 15-yard penalty in a game Los Angeles won 34-17.
Perryman, 33, had 47 tackles, four for loss, and three passes defensed in 10 games this season. He began his second stint with the club in 2024, having played for the Chargers from 2015-20. In between, he earned his lone Pro Bowl selection for the Raiders in 2021, then played for Las Vegas again in 2022 before spending 2023 with the Houston Texans.
He was suspended two games in 2023 and has received multiple fines related to impermissible use of the helmet.
In 129 career games (109 starts), Perryman has 764 tackles, 57 for loss, along with 7.5 sacks, five interceptions, 17 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
The Chargers (11-4) have clinched a playoff berth, but they are one game behind the Denver Broncos (12-3) in the AFC West. Los Angeles plays host to the Houston Texans (10-5) on Saturday before concluding the regular season at Denver the following weekend.
