COSTA MESA, Calif. — The Chargers defense takes a hit as they lose star pass rusher Joey Bosa for some time as he is ‘likely’ headed to IR with a foot sprain, according to head coach Brandon Staley.
Bosa got hurt in the first quarter when he engaged with tackle Rasheed Walker. He suddenly raised his right leg and hobbled on his left.
He hopped toward the sideline and was looked at by the trainers. After the Chargers’ defense stopped the Packers on fourth down, they ran over to Bosa and comforted him.
He was carted off and broke down as the cart headed up the tunnel.
It could have been much worse, but he will miss some time. Staley said it is yet to be determined if Bosa will return to the field this season.
Bosa is a player who prides himself on the work he puts in, and the last two seasons have been frustrating. He missed 12 games last season with a groin tear and is now dealing with a foot sprain.
The pass rush will now fall on veteran Khalil Mack, who is at 11 sacks on the season and rookie Tuli Tuipulotu. The second-round pick will now get a chance to start and be in a full-time role.
It is a hit that the defense can’t afford to take, especially with them still having hope of making a late-season push to make the playoffs.
“It is still wide open,” Staley said Monday.
The Chargers sit at 4-6 but are technically two games out of the last wild card game. They will need to start winning some games. They play the 7-3 Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football.
