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Column: James’ injury a blow to Chargers, but team still equipped to succeed

COSTA MESA —

For Philip Rivers, the San Diegan who’s quarterbacked the Chargers since 2006 and seeks his first Super Bowl berth this winter, the cracked bone revealed Friday in the foot of teammate Derwin James, an All-Pro safety, means the rocky road to the NFL title game just grew steeper.

For running back Melvin Gordon, a teammate to Rivers who’s holding out for a better contract, James’ setback may have increased his leverage at the bargaining table.

For football lovers, the NFL became less entertaining Thursday when someone stepped on James’ foot during practice and, per the Chargers, dealt him a stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal.