The Los Angeles Chargers have been dealt a tough blow in their attempts to turn around their disappointing season. According to the team’s head coach, Brandon Staley, Pro Bowl defensive end Joey Bosa will likely be placed on Injured Reserve with a foot sprain.
Bosa will miss at least four weeks if he ends up on IR, but there is a chance he won’t return at all by the end of the season. When asked about it, Staley said that it is “to be determined” whether Bosa plays again in 2023.
Bosa’s injury came in the first quarter of a 23-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. The 28-year-old found himself in the pile of players during the Packers’ run attempt and was seen limping after the play ended. He was later carted off to the locker room and didn’t return.
Joey Bosa was one of the rare positives for a struggling Chargers’ defense this season. Despite dealing with various minor injuries earlier in the season, Bosa managed to rack up 20 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.
When he is healthy, Bosa is one of the best defenders in the league. The issue is that he hasn’t managed to stay like that consistently since entering the league in 2016. Due to a combination of hamstring, groin, and muscle injuries, he only played 16 games in three out of seven seasons as a pro. After the latest setback, it will be three full seasons in eight years.