Linebacker came under fire for controversial hit on NFL rival this weekend

DENZEL PERRYMAN has been suspended for two games without pay after “repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players”.

 

 

 

The Los Angeles Chargers linebacker was punished by the NFL after an illegal hit on Ryan Flournoy during his team’s 34-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

 

Philadelphia Eagles v Los Angeles Chargers - NFL 2025Denzel Perryman has been suspended for two games without pay after repeated violations of player safety rules

 

NINTCHDBPICT001047550213The linebacker was flagged for an illegal hit on Ryan Flournoy during Chargers’ win over the Cowboys

 

 

 

Flournoy had received a pass from Cowboys team-mate Dak Prescott before falling to the ground.

Perryman then launched into Flournoy while he was on the floor as his helmet crashed into his rival’s.

The NFL said this hit violated their regulation over “using any part of the helmet or facemask to butt or make forcible contact to an opponent’s head or neck area.”

 

 

 

The 33-year-old will now be suspended for the next two games, which means he will be unavailable for the rest of the regular season.

That will rule him out for crucial upcoming games against the Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos that could define their season.

 

 

 

Perryman is able to appeal against the suspension and his agent has indicated he will do so, according to the Athletic.

And his coach Jim Harbaugh is optimistic Perryman’s appeal could be successful and claims there was no ill intent on the player’s part.

“I really thought he was trying to go over the tackle, over the ball carrier, and hopefully that will be taken into consideration on appeal.

 

 

 

“I think Denzel’s done a good job, a great job of trying to take the helmet out of his play, and I know he’ll continue to do that.”

If Perryman’s appeal is successful, he could return for the Chargers for their opening play-off game.

Troy Dye is likely to replace Perryman if he is unsuccessful with his appeal.

 

 

 

This is not the first time Perryman has been suspended over violating player safety regulations.

He was banned for three matches in 2023 when he was playing for the Houston Texans – though it was later reduced to two after appeal.

And he was fined $66,666 on two occasions for violating helmet rules, first in 2023 and again last season against Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt.

 

 

 

Perryman, who is in his 11th NFL season, has 47 tackles and three pass deflections in 10 games for the Chargers this season.

As for the Chargers, they clinched a play-off spot after the San Francisco 49ers beat the Colts on Monday.

If they can win their last two games, they will win the division for the first time since 2009.

Chargers are currently behind the Broncos with a record of 11-4-0, while their rivals tand at 12-3-0.