Same ’ol Derwin

Safety Derwin James has ended the past two training camps with injuries to his foot and knee. But James doesn’t plan on changing his aggressive playing style to avoid injuries on the field.

“I play football,” James said. “I’m here to play football. When you play this game slowly, it costs you, and that’s when you really get hurt. So you know, I’m still being me. I’m still Derwin James.”

The Chargers’ defense was ravaged by injuries in 2020, but they were at full strength for the start of training camp. With many Pro Bowlers and promising players, James has high expectations for his defense.

“We want to be the No. 1 defense in the league,” James said. “If that’s not our goal, then I don’t know what is. We always want to be the best defense. When we come out here every day, we want to work toward that.”

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson tested positive for COVID-19 and missed the team’s first practice of training camp.

Coach John Harbaugh announced Jackson’s positive test after practice Wednesday and said running back Gus Edwards also tested positive. He would not go into much more detail about either case or say how long Jackson or Edwards would be out.

WATSON REPORTS TO TEXANS CAMP >> Deshaun Watson was on the field for the start of training camp with the Houston Texans.

The future of the quarterback is uncertain after he asked for a trade in January before 22 women filed lawsuits alleging that he sexually assaulted or harassed them in March. Houston police and the NFL are investigating the allegations, but no charges have been filed.

Watson still wishes to be traded and reported to training camp solely to avoid being fined. He would have faced fines of $50,000 a day if he didn’t report.