Bosa readies for return to Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa might make his season debut on Sunday against Denver after sitting out the first nine games with a left foot injury.
Coach Anthony Lynn said he was excited to see the former Ohio State star practicing with his teammates on Wednesday for the first time since Sept. 5.
Bosa did individual drills during the portion of practice open to reporters and was listed as “limited” on the team’s practice report. Lynn remained cautious about when Bosa could return, but the coach acknowledged that Bosa could play against the Broncos.
“He hasn’t played football in 13-14 weeks, whatever it is. So we have to be careful putting him back in,” Lynn said.
Bosa first injured the foot during training camp, which caused him to miss the preseason. He reinjured it during practice leading up to the opener against Kansas City and later acknowledged he should not have rushed in trying to get back for the first week.
The Chargers (7-2) have won six straight despite Bosa’s absence. Their pass rush struggled early in the season but has 15 sacks in the past four games. Bosa has 23 sacks in two seasons, including an NFL-record 19 in his first 20 games.
Bosa’s return this week could help bolster a unit that is down two starters at linebacker after Denzel Perryman was placed on injured reserve Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa hasn’t played this season after injuring his left foot in training camp. The former Ohio State standout has 23 sacks in his first two seasons.
because of a knee injury. Denver is 3-6 but ranks 11th in the league in offense.
“With him coming back, I think it will add a lot. We’re excited,” fellow defensive end Isaac Rochell said of Bosa.
Baltimore starting quarterback Joe Flacco missed practice on Wednesday because of a hip injury, and his status for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals is uncertain.
If Flacco can’t go, Ravens coach John Harbaugh likely will turn to Lamar Jackson, whose first pro season thus far has been spent taking a few snaps per game in running situations.
“I’m going into it just like any other week. Just preparing for whatever,” Jackson said. “Everything is still the same.”
Starting at quarterback for a team desperate to end a threegame skid might cause some
rookies to squirm, but Jackson insisted he is sleeping “like a baby.”
Flacco hurt his hip early in a 23-16 loss to Pittsburgh on Nov. 4. He had a bye week to recover but is still receiving treatment, meaning his availability for Baltimore (4-5) against the Bengals (5-4) could come down to a gametime decision.
If Flacco can’t play, veteran Robert Griffin III likely will serve as the backup to Jackson.
The NFL has moved the Chargers at Steelers game on Dec. 2 to Sunday night, replacing the 49ers at Seahawks matchup. San FranciscoSeattle will move to 4:25 p.m. on Fox.
The Dec. 9 Rams at Bears game now is a prime-timer with an 8:20 p.m. kickoff. Pittsburgh at Oakland moves from a night contest to 4:25 p.m. on Fox.