The NFL is losing one of its marquee defensive players as teams fight for playoff spots. The Chargers will need to play the next four without pass rusher Joey Bosa.
The NFL Network reported that the Chargers will put Bosa on IR because he sprained his right foot on the opening drive of Sunday’s loss to the Packers at Lambeau Field.
The Chargers, a playoff team a year ago, are 4-6. And they play host to the Ravens, which are possibly the best team in the AFC, this Sunday. It’s imperative that the Chargers start winning more games if they want to think about the post season. But it will be difficult to do so without Bosa, their top defensive player and four-time Pro Bowler. It will be really difficult to defend against Lamar Jackson, Baltimore’s star quarterback, without Bosa there to put some pressure on him.
Now, the Chargers may not lose Josa for the rest of the season. He needs to spend a minimum of four games on IR before he’s eligible to return. The Chargers play seven more regular season games. So the math is on Bosa’s return.
Chargers coach Brandon Staley hinted, earlier this week, that Bosa going to IR was a definite possibility.
“Joey Bosa has got a foot sprain and he is likely, not officially, but likely to go to IR,” Staley told reporters at his Monday press conference. He also added: “We’re just going to make final determinations, but that’s the direction that it’s headed.”
Bosa has played in eight games this season and has notched 6.5 sacks.
Once the Chargers place Bosa on IR, the team will promote outside linebacker Andrew Farmer from the practice squad. Farmer was an undrafted free agent from Lane College when he signed with LA in 2022.
Meanwhile, Bosa isn’t the only linebacker headed to IR. Staley said linebacker Tanner Muse sprained his knee against the Packers and probably would be on the injured list.
The Chargers definitely believe they are so close to being a good team despite what that 4-6 record may suggest. Five of the six losses are by a combined 14 points. Staley said the team could correct that with more consistent play.
“You’ve seen us play at a high level in spurts and stretches, but we haven’t had that complete performance consistently enough,” Staley said. “When every game that we lost is so tight, you’re going to go back to a few plays in all three phases of your team and you’re going to magnify all of those little mistakes.
“When you lose really, really close games, you’re going to magnify all of those mistakes.”
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