Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman has been suspended without pay for two games by the NFL for repeated violations of playing rules that protect the health and safety of players.
The most recent incident occurred during Sunday’s 34-17 road win over the Dallas Cowboys when Perryman struck Dallas’ Ryan Flournoy in the head during the second quarter while the receiver was on the ground after making a catch.
The NFL cited a violation of Rule 12, Section 2, Article 10(b), which prohibits “using any part of the helmet or facemask to butt or make forcible contact to an opponent’s head or neck area.”
Perryman will miss Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans and the Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos.
The 33-year-old Perryman is eligible to appeal the suspension.
Perryman has 47 tackles and four stops for losses in 10 games this season.
Perryman is in his 11th NFL season and his second stint with the Chargers. He initially joined the franchise as a second-round draft pick in 2015 when it was based in San Diego and spent six seasons with the team before playing with the Las Vegas Raiders (2021-22) and Houston Texans (2023) before rejoining the Chargers.
Perryman has 764 tackles. 7.5 sacks and five interceptions in 129 career games (109 starts). He was a Pro Bowl selection for the Raiders in 2021.
