Joey Bosa made his return to the LA Chargers in Week 17's win against the LA Rams. Bosa was out since Week 3 after a groin tear that required surgery. His timeline to return took longer than initial expected but he came back fully helathy.
Bosa explained prior to making his return that he was dealing with issues in his core for years up until the injury in Week 3. According to Bosa, this is the best he has felt in years after having surgery, which is a fantastic sign for the rest of this season and beyond.
It was a longer road back than expected but all that matters is that Bosa returned to action in time to get reps in for the playoffs. However, that almost was not the case as Bosa had to overcome yet another hurdle that impacted his play against the Rams in Week 17.
Joey Bosa said he was battling food poisoning last weekend that impacted him during Sunday’s game vs. the Rams.
— Nick Cothrel (@NickCothrel) January 5, 2023
Man, Joey Bosa just cannot catch a break. He finally makes his return after 14 long weeks and gets food poisoning the night before. Luckily he was able to play but he was definitely compromised in some capacity, so we should finally see full-strength Bosa in Week 18.
Joey Bosa should play in Week 18 even if the Chargers clinch the fifth seed.
If the Baltimore Ravens — who kick off three and a half hours before the Chargers — lose against the Cincinnati Bengals then the Chargers will secure the fifth seed before even playing the Broncos. If this happens, Brandon Staley has all but confirmed that the game plan will change and starters will rest.
We have already broken down the six Chargers that should not play a single snap if this happens. Joey Bosa is not one of them.
Bosa does not need to go out there and play 90% of the defensive snaps but he definitely should get a fair number of snaps spaced out that way he can get his legs back under him. After all, the entire goal of these last two weeks is to get him back in shape for the playoffs.
Bosa confirmed that he did not return to action until he felt he was absolutely 100% so Chargers fans do not need to worry about lingering issues presenting a challenge in Week 18. Bosa is good and ready to go and the Chargers should give him a chance to get some game snaps in before the playoffs.
Then we can really gauge where Bosa is at as the Bolts head into the playoffs as he likely won't be dealing with food poisoning for a second consecutive week. Just don't get any sushi in the Denver airport, Joey.