COSTA MESA — Coach Brandon Staley ran down the list of the Chargers’ injured players after the team held a walk-through rather than a full practice on Wednesday. When he got to Derwin James Jr.’s name, he said that the standout safety continued to suffer from an earlier quadriceps injury.

James was listed on Wednesday’s injury report as a non-participant.

When asked if James’ injury was something to be concerned about going into Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins, Staley said, “We’ll see.” It wasn’t encouraging news for the injury-riddled Chargers (6-6), who are facing nothing but must-win games for the rest of the season.

James was limited in practice last week, after he was hurt in the Chargers’ victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 25. He intercepted a pass, forced a fumble and was generally a menace while lining up in his customary spot in the secondary, plus an occasional turn as a linebacker or lineman.

The injury also didn’t prevent James from playing all 61 defensive snaps during the Chargers’ loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, when he was their co-leader with safety Nasir Adderley and cornerback Bryce Callahan with six tackles. James has a team-leading 106 tackles overall.

So, what’s James’ status for Thursday’s practice and beyond?

“He’s going to be day to day,” Staley said.

No question, the Chargers need James to be at something resembling 100% when they take the field to face Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has thrown 21 touchdown passes with only five interceptions, and speedy wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who has an NFL-leading 96 catches.

It’s not the time for the Chargers to be without their best defensive player, a man Staley likened last week to Lakers superstar LeBron James because of his remarkable versatility. After all, not only does Derwin James lead the Chargers in tackles, but he’s also the league leader among defensive backs.

Containing the Dolphins (8-4) will be a challenge for the Chargers, with or without James on the field.

For example, Hill has caught five touchdown passes this season, a modest total given his league-leading total of receptions, but he has caught 22 passes for gains of 20 yards or more. He also leads the league with 1,379 yards receiving, including one play that covered 64 yards.

“They’re a very dangerous skill-position group,” Staley said of the Dolphins. “We’ve got to put a roof on their explosive plays. They can get them a lot of different ways with a variety of players. They have outstanding team speed. They have a lot of guys who can get deep.”

Of Hill, a former standout with the Kansas City Chiefs, Staley said he has fit in well in his first season with the Dolphins’ offense.

“They have done a good job of tailoring the offense to his strengths, incorporating some of the things that, I think, he has trademarked in the NFL that are kind of unique to him and what he can do,” Staley said. “They are utilizing him as you should. They are really featuring him as a guy who can get the ball in a variety of ways, and then, obviously, clear out a lot of coverage for other people.

“He’s having an outstanding season.”

COMPARE AND CONTRAST

Much of the build-up to the Chargers-Dolphins matchup Sunday night will focus on Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert, the fifth and sixth overall selections in the 2020 NFL draft. It’s only natural that their skills and results should be compared and contrasted going into Sunday’s game.

Staley won’t be one of those talking to Herbert about it, though.

“The thing that I talk to Justin about, in terms of comparisons, is himself,” Staley said. “I measure his game against himself because that is where I think the comparison should lie, in his own game. I truly think he is one of the unique players in the league to ever have played. I just think we focus on his game and where he can go with his game and how he can improve, and, always as a quarterback, as a leader, competitor. That’s what we focus on with him and all of our players.”

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INJURY UPDATES

Callahan was listed as limited because of a groin injury that didn’t prevent him from returning an interception for a touchdown against the Raiders on Sunday. …

Defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day did not participate in the walk-through because of a sprained knee. Staley said his status was day to day. …

Center Corey Linsley was “progressing through the (concussion) protocol,” according to Staley. …

Wide receiver Mike Williams (ankle) is expected to practice with his teammates this week. …

Right tackle Trey Pipkins III will not practice because of a knee injury.