The Los Angeles Chargers are still fighting for a spot in the AFC playoff picture, but that task has been made harder as star pass rusher Joey Bosa has been put on injured reserve.
Joey Bosa Injury Update
Bosa limped off the field early in the first quarter of the Chargers’ Week 11 game against the Green Bay Packers and fell to the ground once he reached the sideline.
The injury occurred on the opening drive of the game at Lambeau Field on a 1st-and-10 run by Packers running back Aaron Jones at the Green Bay 42-yard line. Bosa collided with a Packers lineman as Jones ran into the pile.
Los Angeles’ medical staff initially evaluated the veteran edge rusher before he was carted to the locker room.
The Chargers initially announced Bosa was questionable to return with a foot injury, but the team ruled him out during the third quarter. Bosa later returned to Los Angeles’ sideline, but he was using crutches and wearing a walking boot on his right foot.
#Chargers star pass rusher Joey Bosa limped off the field after this play and has been carted to the locker room.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) November 19, 2023
It was announced Monday that Bosa suffered a right foot sprain and is being placed on injured reserve. NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero noted that Bosa does have a chance to return this season.
In a corresponding move, the Chargers are signing OLB Andrew Farmer II to the 53-man roster, Rapoport and Pelissero reported.
Throughout this season so far, Bosa has played nine games (five starts) with 6.5 sacks, 20 tackles, eight QB hits and a forced fumble.
Injuries have been an issue for Bosa in the past. He missed the first four games during his rookie year due to a hamstring injury, a foot ailment limited him to seven games during his third year in the league, and then he played just five games last year due to a groin injury.
MORE: Los Angeles Chargers Depth Chart
Even with Bosa healthy, the Chargers were already light on edge depth. In his absence, Khalil Mack will be asked to step up, while standout rookie Tuli Tuipulotu and veteran Justin Hollins will have to play more snaps.
The loss of Bosa is a big blow for Los Angeles as they look to claim a playoff spot. The Chargers’ defense is a problem, as they allow 393.6 yards of total offense per game, which ranks second most in the NFL.
The Chargers are tied for third in the NFL in sacks (31), but they rank in the bottom 10 in pressures, hurries, and QB knockdown rates.
L.A. selected Bosa with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, and he has been with the team ever since. When healthy, he’s been one of the top pass rushers in the NFL and has been named to the Pro Bowl four times in his career.
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