Chargers LB Denzel Perryman Suspended Two Games for Repeat Helmet Violation
The NFL has suspended Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman for the final two games of the regular season following an unnecessary roughness penalty in Sunday’s matchup against the Cowboys. The hit in question came during the second quarter, when Perryman delivered a forceful blow to the helmet of Dallas wide receiver Ryan Flournoy-who was already down on the ground after making a catch.
According to the league, the suspension stems not just from this incident, but from what it called “repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players.” The specific violation falls under Rule 12, Section 2, Article 10(b), which prohibits using any part of the helmet or facemask to make forcible contact to an opponent’s head or neck area.
This isn’t the first time Perryman’s been penalized for this kind of infraction. His history with helmet-related hits goes back several seasons.
In 2021, while playing for the Raiders, he was fined $55,000 for using his helmet to strike Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Then again in 2023, as a member of the Texans, Perryman was suspended two games for similar conduct-again for repeated violations involving helmet use.
Now with the Chargers, Perryman’s latest suspension puts him on the sidelines at a critical point in the season. Through 10 games this year, he’s registered 47 tackles and has been a steady presence in the middle of the defense. But unless his appeal is successful, he won’t be eligible to return until the postseason.
That’s assuming the Chargers get there. While they haven’t officially locked up a playoff berth, they’re on the brink.
A Colts loss on Monday night would punch their ticket. If that happens, Perryman’s next snap could come in the Wild Card round.
For a defense that’s leaned on Perryman’s physicality and experience, his absence could be felt in the short term. But the league’s message is clear: repeat violations of player safety rules-especially those involving the head and neck-won’t be taken lightly, regardless of a player’s track record or the timing in the season.