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

Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa will return to practice this week, NFL Network reported Sunday.

The 27-year-old defensive end was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 28 and had surgery to repair a groin tear.

The initial prognosis projected that Bosa would be sidelined for eight to 10 weeks.

He exited a Week 3 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first half after grabbing at his upper right leg. He left the field under his own power but threw his helmet to the ground before heading to the locker room.

Bosa, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, has 1.5 sacks on the season and four quarterback hits. In seven seasons, all with the Chargers, he has 298 tackles with 59 1/2 sacks in 82 games (77 starts).

–Field Level Media

Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a groin injury.

Bosa was trying to circle around left end in the first quarter when he hit the ground and grabbed at his upper right leg. He left the field under his own power but threw his helmet to the ground before departing to the locker room.

It was yet another injury to a key player for the Chargers, who were without wide receiver Keenan Allen because of a hamstring injury. Quarterback Justin Herbert has a rib injury but was activated just before Sunday’s game.

Bosa had one tackle before he left the game with 2:50 remaining in the opening quarter. He has seven tackles and 1 1/2 sacks in three games this season.

In seven NFL seasons, all with the Chargers, the four-time Pro Bowl selection has 298 tackles with 59 1/2 sacks in 82 games (78 starts).

–Field Level Media

Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa left early in Sunday’s game against the Bengals in Cincinnati and was being evaluated for a head injury.

Bosa left the field for the locker room midway through the first quarter, as the Chargers were building a healthy 16-0 lead over the opening 15 minutes. It was unclear when the injury occurred or what the severity might be.

Bosa, 26, had multiple concussions last year. The three-time Pro Bowler ultimately missed four games in 2020.

Prior to Sunday’s game, Bosa had 7.5 sacks, 36 tackles and four forced fumbles for the Chargers in 11 contests.

–Field Level Media