Uncertainty around Joey Bosa's future grows after latest Chargers injury report
Five LA Chargers players logged as DNPs on Thursday's injury report. Cornerback Deane Leonard (hamstring), wide receiver Quentin Johnston (ankle), tight end Hayden Hurst (groin), and cornerback Kristian Fulton (hamstring) are all nursing injuries from Sunday's victory over the Broncos. The fifth name on the list is Joey Bosa (hip). Bosa has now not practiced this week on both Wednesday and in an official capacity on Thursday.
Since coming off the field early in the game against the Steelers, Bosa doesn't seem much closer to returning to action. He registered one limited practice last Friday and was listed as questionable for Sunday's Broncos game. Bosa ultimately was inactive despite seemingly making progress in that last practice. Despite that one limited practice last week, he's now back to registering DNPs in Week 7.
The Chargers' star pass rusher battled a back injury to be able to play against the Panthers. He then had his hip issue flare up against the Steelers.
In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Bosa played just 14 of a possible 34 games. A potential third consecutive missed game is certainly not how he or the Chargers wanted to start this season.
Joey Bosa's future remains unclear after latest Chargers injury report
Asked about Bosa on Wednesday, Chargers head coach JIim Harbaugh gave his patented standard response: "Still working through something." But the fact that we're four weeks into "working through something" (despite the BYE week rest) seems less than encouraging.
The Chargers have effectively been playing with just three edge rushers in the absence of Bosa. Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu both played over 75% of the snaps vs. Denver. Bud Dupree, previously rotating in at about 50% of the snaps in Week 1, is up to 65% of all defensive snaps. The rotation is clearly a bit overtaxed in Bosa's absence.
Adding to this, another edge rusher has yet to be elevated from the practice squad so far this season. Preseason standout Tre'Mon Morris-Brash has yet to play in the regular season to this point. Perhaps this is a strategic move to save practice squad promotions for if another pass rusher does get hurt in addition to Bosa, but it does feel like the Chargers need more bodies on the defensive line right now.
With an extended week given that the Chargers don't play the Cardinals until Monday, Bosa still has two more days to try and get at least one practice in. But as shown last week, one practice might not be enough to get him to be active on gameday vs. Arizona. Los Angeles seems to be approaching Bosa's hip injury very cautiously.
By 6PM PT on Monday night, we'll see whether Bosa can take the field for the Chargers to stabilize a defense currently burdened by several key injuries.