Denzel Perryman, the Los Angeles Chargers' veteran, run-fitting linebacker, was suspended two games for "repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players" after a helmet-to-helmet hit he delivered in the team's matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
At the time, this seemed to represent a major blow as the Chargers entered a stretch that could have earned them the AFC West title.
However, now that the dust has settled and the team is locked into a Wild Card spot, the truth has become clear. Having Perryman healthy and ready to go for a playoff run will be more important than any impact he could have made on these last two regular season games.
Perryman is still hugely important to the Chargers, and he will be integral to earning a playoff win
Since returning for a second stint with the Chargers, Perryman has been one of the team's most important culture guys on the defense. While he's played just 52% of the team's defensive snaps when he's been healthy, he's amassed 47 tackes and four tackles for loss.
Even at this stage of his career, he still is an excellent run fitter and tackler. On a Chargers' defense that has formed a bruising identity, he has been an indispensable piece.
While they lost the game to the Texans, it was not a result of Perryman's absence. Los Angeles held Houston, who have struggled in the run game all season, to a moderate 118 yards on the ground.
They were defeated as a result of their inability to gain offensive traction for much of the game: a problem that will almost certainly carry over into the playoffs.
Yet for Perryman, these two games, with as little bearing as they now have on the Chargers' playoff spot, represent a much-needed rest. Perryman has dealt with injuries throughout the season, missing Weeks 2 through 6 with a high-ankle sprain.
At 33 years old, Perryman is no longer built to sustain the brunt of a lengthy regular season with a high snap count. As much as the team may wish he never made that hit on Ryan Flournoy, the receiver avoided a major injury, and Perryman has expressed his apologies.
Now, Perryman will be healthy and rested as Los Angeles prepares to face off against their first-round opponent. Any chance the Chargers have of emerging victorious centers around their stifling defense, and a two-game absence for Perryman could make all the difference in his effectiveness.