Sep 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Chargers’ Joey Bosa (hip) leaves game against Steelers

Los Angeles Chargers star linebacker Joey Bosa aggravated a hip injury in the first quarter of Sunday’s meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers and is questionable to return.

Bosa dealt with the issue throughout the week, turning in limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday before participating in full on Friday.

Prior to his departure Sunday, Bosa had not recorded a tackle.

Bosa, 29, logged two sacks and nine tackles through Los Angeles’ first two games of the season. He is a four-time Pro Bowl selection.

–Field Level Media

Oct 22, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) warms up prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Report: LB Joey Bosa reworks deal to stay with Chargers

A day after Khalil Mack reportedly restructured his contract to remain with the Los Angeles Chargers, teammate and fellow defensive star Joey Bosa followed suit on Thursday, per an ESPN report.

Bosa, 28, had two years left on a five-year, $135 million extension he signed in 2020 and was a potential trade or cut candidate before restructuring his deal.

The four-time Pro Bowl selection and 2016 Defensive Rookie of the Year has missed time the past two seasons with injuries, playing in just 14 games. Bosa’s 2023 season ended in Week 11 when he sprained his foot.

Drafted No. 3 overall by the Chargers in 2016, Bosa has 67 sacks, 321 tackles, 15 forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 93 games (84 starts).

Mack agreed to restructure his deal, ESPN reported on Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

Oct 22, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) warms up prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers open practice window for DE Joey Bosa

Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa was designated to return to practice Thursday, bringing him closer to a return from injured reserve.

Bosa, 28, last played Nov. 19 at Green Bay when he was carted off the field during the game’s opening series with a foot injury.

Thursday’s move opens Bosa’s 21-day practice window, although he was ruled out for a return this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Los Angeles still games remaining against the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs after Sunday.

Bosa has 20 tackles, 6.5 sacks and one forced fumble in nine games (five starts) this season.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Bosa has totaled 321 tackles, 67.0 sacks, 15 forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 93 games (84 starts). He was selected by the Chargers with the third overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State.

The Chargers also have ruled wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) out of Sunday’s game, while cornerback Essang Bassey (concussion), and defensive lineman Nick Williams (shoulder) are questionable. Defensive back Deane Leonard (heel) and linebacker Tanner Muse (knee) are doubtful.

–Field Level Media

Jul 26, 2023; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa (97) during training camp at Jack Hammet Sports Comples. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers place LB Joey Bosa on injured reserve

The Los Angeles Chargers placed outside linebacker Joey Bosa on injured reserve Wednesday.

Bosa sustained a sprained right foot during the first quarter of Los Angeles’ 23-20 loss to the host Green Bay Packers on Sunday. He left the field on a medical cart and returned in the third quarter with a walking boot and crutches.

Bosa will sit out the team’s next four games due to Wednesday’s move. The Chargers will need to lean on rookie Tuli Tuipulotu in his absence.

Bosa, 28, has recorded 20 tackles, 6.5 sacks and one forced fumble in nine games (five starts) this season.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Bosa has totaled 321 tackles, 67.0 sacks, 15 forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 93 career games (84 starts). He was selected by the Chargers with the third overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State.

Also on Wednesday, Los Angeles signed outside linebacker Andrew Farmer II to the active roster and fullback Zander Horvath to the practice squad.

Farmer, 23, has played in just one game in his NFL career. He had one tackle in the Chargers’ 24-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 1.

–Field Level Media

Sep 17, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) lines up before the snap during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers DE Joey Bosa (toe) expected to play on ‘MNF’

Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa and wide receiver Joshua Palmer are expected to play against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, NFL Network reported.

Both are officially listed as questionable.

Bosa, battling a toe injury, did not participate in practice Thursday and Friday but was limited Saturday. Palmer practiced all week before being listed as questionable with a groin injury on Saturday, per the report.

Bosa has three sacks in three games this season. Palmer has 11 catches for 160 yards and a touchdown in four games.

Tight end Donald Parham (wrist) and defensive tackle Nick Williams (back) are also questionable to play against the Cowboys.

Defensive backs Deane Leonard (hamstring) and Alohi Gilman (heel) are doubtful.

Justin Herbert and Austin Ekeler were both listed without a designation on Sunday after a full week of practices.

–Field Level Media

Jun 13, 2023; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) during minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler set to return Monday

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler was removed from the team’s injury report Saturday and is set to return for Monday night’s home game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Ekeler, who hasn’t played since gaining 117 yards in a season-opening defeat against the Miami Dolphins, has been out with an ankle injury. He has led Los Angeles in rushing in each of the previous three seasons, gaining 915 yards on 204 carries in 2022.

In seven seasons, all with the Chargers, Ekeler, 28, has gained 3,844 yards on 827 carries with 35 touchdowns. Productive in the passing game as well, Ekeler has 393 career receptions for 3,495 yards and 29 TDs.

While Ekeler is back, star edge rusher Joey Bosa remains questionable with a toe injury. Bosa, who had six tackles and three sacks in limited action over the first three games of the season, was inactive for a Week 4 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders and used the bye week to make progress on his injury.

Quarterback Justin Herbert, who broke a finger on his left (non-throwing) hand during the 24-17 win over the Raiders on Oct. 1, also is off the injury report.

Chargers safety Alohi Gilman is doubtful with a heel injury. Tight end Donald Parham Jr. (wrist) is questionable, as is defensive lineman Nick Williams (back).

–Field Level Media

Sep 17, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) lines up before the snap during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Chargers’ Joey Bosa (hamstring) active vs. Vikings

Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa, who has been limited by a hamstring injury, will be active Sunday at the Minnesota Vikings, NFL Network reported.

It’s a must-win game for both teams, each seeking to avoid an 0-3 start to the season.

Per NFL Network, Bosa is expected to play more snaps than in Week 2, when he took part in 29 percent of the snaps in a 27-24 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Bosa, 28, has five tackles and two sacks on the season.

Bosa has played in 86 games (80 starts) since the Chargers selected him with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He was limited to just five games last season due to a groin injury.

In his career, he has 62.5 sacks and 306 tackles, plus 14 forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

–Field Level Media

Jun 13, 2023; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) during minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers’ Austin Ekeler doubtful, Joey Bosa questionable vs. Titans

The Los Angeles Chargers deemed starting running back Austin Ekeler doubtful and star pass rusher Joey Bosa questionable for Sunday’s game against the host Tennessee Titans.

Linebackers Daiyan Henley, Eric Hendricks and Chris Rumph II were also listed as doubtful for the game, each with a hamstring injury.

Ekeler sustained an ankle injury during the Chargers’ Week 1 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He missed practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Bosa, however, returned to practice in a limited capacity Friday after missing the previous two sessions.

Ekeler, 28, joined the Chargers in 2017 and has 3,844 yards and 35 touchdowns on the ground as well as 393 receptions for 3,495 yards and 29 scores. He has scored 39 touchdowns (26 rushing, 13 receiving) since the start of the 2021 season.

Bosa, 28, a four-time Pro Bowler, has 60.5 career sacks in 85 games (80 starts) for the Chargers, dating back to the 2016 season when the franchise was located in San Diego.

The Titans ruled out cornerback Kristian Fulton (hamstring), who was limited in practice all week, and safety Amani Hooker (concussion), who has not practiced. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (ankle) is questionable, as is rookie offensive lineman Peter Skoronski, who popped up on Friday’s injury report with an illness.

–Field Level Media

Sep 25, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) walks off the field with Brandon Staley after suffering an injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers activate DE Joey Bosa (groin) for game vs. Rams

The Los Angeles Chargers activated star pass rusher Joey Bosa from injured reserve on Saturday and he is set to play in Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Bosa has been sidelined since tearing his groin in a Week 3 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He underwent surgery to repair the injury.

Bosa returned to practice this week and is expected to be on a snap count on Sunday.

“He’s got to get his football conditioning,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley told reporters on Friday. “It’s not like he’s going to go out there and play like he’s been playing for four, three months, but he’s going to go out there and play. That was our plan, that if he’s going to play, he’s going to play.”

Bosa, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, has seven tackles, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble this season.

In seven NFL seasons, Bosa has 298 tackles, 59.5 sacks, 14 forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 82 games (77 starts) with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. He was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2016 with San Diego.

The Chargers waived running back Sony Michel to clear a roster spot. Michel rushed for 106 yards on 36 carries and caught nine passes for 53 yards in 10 games (no starts) this season.

–Field Level Media

Sep 25, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa runs before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers DE Joey Bosa back from IR ahead of playoffs

The Los Angeles Chargers designated star defensive end Joey Bosa to return from injured reserve as the playoff-bound team prepares for Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

The designation opens a 21-day practice window for Bosa, with a return for Sunday’s game still to be determined.

Bosa, 27, hasn’t played since Week 3 when he came away with a groin injury in a 38-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The four-time Pro Bowl selection was coming off a 2021 season when he had 10.5 sacks, his fourth career season reaching double digits.

The Chargers have been injury-prone all season, with Bosa the last of the team’s stars to make a return. Quarterback Justin Herbert played through fractured rib cartilage, while top wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams missed time.

Despite the personnel issues, the Chargers clinched their second playoff berth in nine seasons when they earned a 20-3 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night. The Chargers can’t catch the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC West title, meaning their final two regular-season games will be used for playoff preparations.

The Chargers’ defense has been improving late in the season, allowing an average of 11.3 points over their last three games, all victories.

After the victory over the Colts, Chargers running back Austin Ekeler was anticipating Bosa’s return, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“At the end of the day, it’s going to take defense to win championships,” said Ekeler, who has 16 combined rushing and receiving touchdowns. “Our defense playing like that — and if we get Joey back — my goodness. I’m looking forward to watching these boys fly around.”

–Field Level Media