Chargers LB Denzel Perryman suspended two games for hit on Cowboys WR Ryan Flournoy, repeated violations

The National Football League has suspended Denzel Perryman for two games following a hit on Ryan Flournoy. The league cited a pattern of repeated violations related to player safety.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Perryman was suspended without pay after Sunday’s game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Dallas Cowboys: “Chargers LB Denzel Perryman has been suspended without pay for two games for repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players,” Pelissero reported.

The league later provided additional clarification on the specific play that led to the discipline. According to Ian Rapoport, the incident occurred during the second quarter when Perryman was flagged for unnecessary roughness.

“During the second quarter, Perryman was penalized for unnecessary roughness for delivering a forcible blow to the helmet of Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy while he was on the ground after making a catch,” the NFL said, citing a violation of Rule 12, Section 2, Article 10(b), which prohibits forcible contact to an opponent’s head or neck area.

Following the game, Perryman addressed criticism of the hit on social media. He pushed back against claims that he plays dirty.

“Never proud of someone calling em a dirty player, never been a dirty player since I start at the age of 6,” Perryman wrote. “I play fast and physical, me and #19 talked after the game we good.”

More on Denzel Perryman, Los Angeles Chargers

Despite Perryman’s response, the suspension reflects the league’s consideration of his disciplinary history. Perryman was fined $55,000 in 2021 while with the Las Vegas Raiders for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Jalen Hurts. Two years later, as a member of the Houston Texans, he was suspended for two games for repeated violations involving initiating contact with his helmet.

The suspension will sideline Perryman for the Chargers’ Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans and their Week 18 road game against the Denver Broncos. That contest could determine the AFC West title.

With postseason stakes looming, Los Angeles will now have to navigate a critical stretch of the schedule without one of its most physical defensive presences. The NFL continues to emphasize stricter enforcement of player safety rules, and this is another example.