Chargers' injury update casts doubt over Joey Bosa playing vs Panthers

Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa is undoubtedly one of the best pass-rushers in the entire sport yet he often gets overlooked. Injuries have held Bosa back the last two years specifically and Chargers fans have never gotten a sustained run with Bosa and Khalil Mack together.

Both players were healthy in the season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders and the results spoke for themselves. The Chargers' defense thrived and Bosa particularly played at a very high level, reminding fans what he is capable of when he is healthy and on the field.

There were concerns around Bosa's availability heading into Week 1 after the star edge broke his hand during training camp. Thankfully, that broken hand did not play a factor in his regular season debut as he did not even need to play with a club.

However, another injury is now haunting the four-time Pro Bowler. Bosa was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice with a back injury. Fans were hoping the Chargers were merely being cautious with their elite edge but that might not be the case as Bosa missed practice altogether on Thursday.

The full injury report can be viewed below:

Joey Bosa's Week 2 status is now up in the air for the Chargers

Bosa being limited on Wednesday and not practicing at all on Thursday does not bode well for his chances of playing against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. This early in the 2024 season, the Chargers are going to be cautious and will not rush Bosa to play if there is something bothering him.

While the best move long-term is to be careful with Bosa and ensure he can play when the games matter most, it is still an unfortunate turn for a player who has not been able to catch a break. If Bosa does not play Sunday then it will be his 21st missed game in the last 35 games the Chargers have played.

Thankfully, the Panthers are not the biggest threat and the Chargers have the means to fill in for Bosa if that is what it comes to. Mack is still elite and the tandem of Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree can more than hold its own.

If Bosa cannot go then the Chargers may even elevate Tre'Mon Morris-Brash, who was a training camp standout for the Bolts who thrived in the preseason. Morris-Brash is not Bosa, but he could help provide key depth.

The question now becomes what Bosa's status will look like long-term for the Bolts. if the worst that comes from this is him missing one game then fine, the Chargers can handle it. But if Bosa is forced to miss extended time yet again then it will spotlight the team's decision to keep Bosa over Keenan Allen this past offseason.

Only time will tell and who knows, maybe Bosa turns a corner and doesn't have to miss Sunday's game after all.