The San Diego Chargers could have used a fresh body to chase the quarterback Sunday as the defense collapsed in the fourth quarter against Alex Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Sadly, we'll never know if first-round pick Joey Bosa could have changed the outcome of the game. Don't expect to find out in Week 2 either.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday on *Good Morning Football *that Bosa is unlikely to face the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday and even Week 3 could be in doubt.
"It does not seem so," Rapoport said when asked if Bosa would play this week. "He didn't practice yesterday with a bulky hamstring which he strained after just a couple days of practice. We know he showed up late in (the preseason) after not signing his deal. Was not really a holdout but was just staying away from the team until he signed his contract.
"So he had a nagging hamstring injury. He missed last week. Hasn't even practiced in full pads yet. That is a major problem. Not gonna play until he practices in full pads maybe once or maybe more. It's not gonna be Joey Bosa this week -- the hope is for Week 3. But even that's not guaranteed."
Bosa also did not participate in Thursday's practice along with cornerback Jason Verrett (calf).
Soft tissue injuries, like hamstring strains, always cause coaches concern when players skip offseason workouts.
The Chargers drafted the pass rusher to be a difference maker on a talented but not necessarily deep defense -- especially shallow up front. Unfortunately for the Chargers, Bosa will miss even more time than originally hoped. By the time he gets on the field, the Chargers could be in a significant hole in the competitive AFC West.
Linebacker Nick Dzubnar (knee) was a full participate during Thursday's practice.
