Chargers’ Joey Bosa is all about player safety. He is not a fan of Thursday games
He wanted to return to the field, the Chargers matched up against a Cincinnati team that, at the time, was ahead of them in the AFC standings.
Joey Bosa instead remained on the sideline Dec. 5, watching the second half in street clothes as his teammates secured a 41-22 victory.
A three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, Bosa was removed from the game early after being evaluated for a head injury.
He was cleared medically to return, but he and coach Brandon Staley opted to be cautious, particularly after Bosa suffered two concussions last season.
“If I take a few more bad shots, then it’s something I’m gonna have to consider probably retiring,” Bosa said this week. “But that’s not something I’m really thinking about. Luckily, I made the right decision and so did coach Staley.”
Bosa did return Sunday, recording another sack and forced fumble in the Chargers’ 37-21 win over the New York Giants.
If Rashawn Slater, who’s on the COVID-19 list, cannot play Thursday against Kansas City, the Chargers will have a major void to fill at left tackle.
At 26, Bosa is in his sixth season. In July 2020, he signed a five-year extension that includes $102 million in guarantees and can be worth up to $135 million.
But after the 2020 season, Bosa talked openly about the mental struggles he faced following his second concussion. He has likened what he felt to slipping into a hole.
“It’s easy definitely to get caught up in the emotions of the moment,” Bosa said about his desire to return against the Bengals. “I definitely wanted to go back out there. But I’m just trying to think long term for myself and for the team as well.”
Bosa said Staley has been “very vocal” with the players about being honest when it comes to potential head injuries. He said Staley has told them no one should continue playing if they “don’t feel comfortable.”
Rookie cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol after he suffered two concussions in the span of three weeks. He hasn’t played since Nov. 21, missing the last three games.
Staley indicated this week that Samuel is close to returning, but he also has repeatedly said the Chargers won’t rush any player back from injury, especially injuries to the head.
The Chargers’ 37-21 win over the Giants might be a part of their story to fight for a playoff spot, but this game will be remembered for Justin Herbert’s 59-yard TD throw.
Player safety is something Staley has emphasized publicly since the day the Chargers hired him. With his team set to play on a short week Thursday night against the Kansas City Chiefs, Staley talked about player safety again after the victory over the Giants.
“My side is with the players,” he said. “That’s where my side is, with what they want. Because they’re the ones that have the hard job, not me or you. What I want to do is what’s best for them and their health and safety.
“If everyone thinks that that’s a good thing, that they can do it, then we’ll do it. I think that’s going to be a topic that continues to be explored. I know that it’s good for television and all that. I’m thinking about our players. That’s who I’m thinking about.”
Bosa said he’s not in favor of playing two NFL games within five days, a sentiment several players have expressed over the years. He said the league’s traditional Thursday night games — in one critical aspect — are illogical.
“I don’t think they make much sense for player health,” Bosa said. “But it is entertainment and that’s what we’re here for. … I’ve never really enjoyed having to play on Thursday. Usually on Thursday, I’m barely starting to feel a little bit better going into the week.”
As for this upcoming game, Bosa said he is in a better place physically than normal. After building a 30-point lead Sunday, the Chargers were able to rest several of their starters.
Bosa played 37 of 69 defensive snaps. Immediately after the game, the Chargers initiated their player recovery program at SoFi Stadium, offering ice baths and massage therapists, among other treatment methods.
Entering Thursday, Bosa is on a roll with five sacks in his last six games. He had his fifth strip-sack of the season against the Giants. That’s the most for a Chargers player in a season over the last two decades.
“It’s something I just focus on way more [now],” Bosa said. “Every time I get an opportunity, I’m going for the ball. I think that’s how you really change the game. Sacks are good, but being able to get those turnovers and get it in the hands of [quarterback] Justin [Herbert] is way more helpful in getting those wins.”
After Thursday, the Chargers will have nine days off before playing at Houston on Dec. 26. If they beat the Chiefs, they will be in first place in the AFC West with three games to go.
If they lose, they likely will be left competing for a wild-card spot. The Chargers are currently the fifth seed in the AFC. Seven teams from each conference advance to the playoffs.
“I was really hoping I came out [of Sunday] feeling pretty good because I know if I get through this game we’re gonna have the extra-long week to recover then just a short little burst to finish off the season,” Bosa said. “So I’m feeling good and feeling excited about these games coming up.”
Etc.
The Chargers activated wide receiver Keenan Allen off the COVID-19 reserve list. ... Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said Trey Pipkins III has been working with the first team in the absence of left tackle Rashawn Slater, who was put on the COVID list Monday.
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