The Los Angeles Chargers have had a rocky 2023 season so far with their current 5-8 record. They’ve fallen to this mark without a certain integral piece lining up alongside them the last three weeks.
Along with Chargers fans keeping their eyes on a possible head coaching change involving Brandon Staley, the fan base also has their eyes on whether longtime top EDGE Joey Bosa will return.
Why Is Joey Bosa Out?
The Chargers’ defense has been without Bosa due to a right foot sprain.
He sustained the injury during the Green Bay Packers game on Nov. 19, which was a last-minute 23-20 road loss for L.A. Bosa got forced to leave early in the first quarter and was carted off the field.
The All-Pro veteran pass rusher eventually landed on injured reserve by Nov. 22 — three days after the ailment. The Bolts and Staley were eventually persuaded to lure EDGE Andrew Farmer II from the practice squad to provide depth in the absence of Bosa.
At the time of his injury, Bosa had tallied 6.5 sacks for Staley’s defense while also tallying 20 tackles — six of which got delivered behind the line of scrimmage. He put up those numbers for a unit that’s been widely criticized across the league, including Chargers fans.
Bosa going on the IR meant his season got wiped away, right?
Could Bosa Still Return to the Chargers?
Even when the Chargers put Bosa on IR, NFL Network insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported that the 28-year-old EDGE could still return by season’s end.
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It’s not the first time Bosa had to miss some late-season action. He had dealt with a groin injury before returning in Week 17 against the Los Angeles Rams in the 2022 season.
The #Chargers are signing OLB Andrew Farmer II to the 53-man roster, promoting a player whose work ethic coaches have raved about.
Corresponding move: Star Joey Bosa (foot sprain) is going to Injured Reserve, per me and @TomPelissero, but he has a chance to return this season. pic.twitter.com/4j6TVseSK9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 22, 2023
Bosa was eventually healthy enough for the season finale and the playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
With four games left, Bosa could be on his trek to return and potentially save whatever is left of the Chargers’ season.
How the Chargers’ Defense Has Done Without Bosa
To reiterate and get fans caught up on the state of the Chargers, many across the NFL realm believe Staley is on track to coach his final set of games in L.A.
A deep and talented Bolts bunch has watched their season crumble. Staley and the Chargers have endured five losses that were decided by three points or less. Those games have either come down to the final play or the final quarter.
But the Chargers fell to a new low on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. L.A. failed to convert a single third down try out of 12 attempts and was walloped 24-7 at home.
The Chargers have gone 1-2 during the span of Bosa being out. L.A. has been outscored 44-23 while the four-time Pro Bowler has been missing from the starting lineup.
L.A. currently ranks 29th in the NFL in total yards allowed. That’s also their ranking against the pass. The rush, however, has been a strength — even without Bosa — as the team has racked up 43 sacks, placing them in second behind the Baltimore Ravens’ 49.
Still, the Bolts are in desperation mode and trying to salvage whatever is left of their increasingly lost season. At some point, they’ll greatly welcome back Bosa.
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