Ailing Joey Bosa Heads For The Los Angeles Chargers’ Sidelines, Again

If the Los Angeles Chargers are going to salvage their season, they’ll have do so minus linebacker Joey Bosa, at least for the next month.

Bosa, the team’s talented but injury-prone pass rusher, has been placed on the injured reserve list.

Chargers coach Brandon Staley, when meeting with reporters the day after Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers, speculated that Bosa’s injury was significant.

L.A. is reeling after losing four of its past six games to plop into the AFC West cellar. Their task of wrestling the season back on track grew stiffer with Bosa’s absence.

Bosa had played in all 10 games this year and contributed 6.5 sacks.

Wednesday’s move with Bosa means that the four-time Pro Bowler and 2016 defensive rookie of the year will miss at least four games. During that run the Chargers (4-6) play the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders.

Bosa, the third overall pick in the 2016 draft, has only been fit for a full season in three of his eight years in the NFL. He was restricted to seven games in 2018, five games last year and there’s some concern he will top out at 10 in 2023, with him participating in only one series in Sunday’s loss.

The Chargers are paying Bosa a handsome sum after he signed a five-year, $135 million extension which came with a $102 million guarantee. Bosa’s salary cap hit this year is $15.7 million, eclipsed only by linebacker Khalil Mack’s $16.6 million charge.

If Bosa is healthy, he could return for the final three games. His comeback, too, could hinge on if L.A. is in the hunt for a playoff spot. Currently, the Chargers’ record is better than only two other AFC squads.

When asked on Monday if Bosa would see the field again this season, Staley said, “to be determined.”

Rookie Tuli Tuipuloto, who has had some positive flashes, will replace Bosa in the lineup.