- In the opening frame of Sunday’s 38-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Bosa tore his groin. With the news on Wednesday that Joey Bosa will have surgery for his damaged groin and has been put on injured reserve, the Chargers’ terrible luck took a tiny turn for the worst.
The edge-rushing tandem that the Chargers had in mind when they acquired Khalil Mack from the Chicago Bears in the summer is lost as a result of Bosa’s departure. Since Bosa was selected third overall in 2016, the two have combined for 121 sacks, but with Bosa set to go on injured reserve, it will be up to Mack to stand out on his own.
Bosa will miss at least four weeks, as required by the league’s injured reserve rules, although the Chargers anticipate his return later in the current campaign. The four-time Pro Bowl selection Bosa will have surgery, but coach Brandon Staley says he should be back this year.
The Chargers are 1-2 as they get ready to go to Houston (0-2-1) and Cleveland for back-to-back games (2-1). Second-year pro Chris Rumph II and seasoned linebacker Kyle Van Noy are anticipated to fill in for Bosa. The Bolts will turn to rookie Jamaree Salyer in Slater’s absence.
Just before a Wednesday afternoon team announcement made the Bosa journey to IR official, coach Brandon Staley briefed the media on the plan. There will undoubtedly be a dropoff between Bosa and Rumph. Rumph must make a significant advancement in his development if the Chargers are to succeed without Bosa. The Chargers’ roster problem of not having enough depth in edge rushers will now be put to the test.
