Chargers' Joey Bosa ruled out for Week 2 game against Jaguars

ByEric Williams ESPN logo
Saturday, September 17, 2016

SAN DIEGO -- Rookie defensive end Joey Bosa has participated in only one practice since signing his contract with the San Diego Chargers on Aug. 29, and now he will miss his second game in a row.

After not practicing all week because of a hamstring injury, Bosa has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Chargers' home opener.

Bosa has not practiced since Aug. 30 because of a lingering hamstring strain. He did some stretching and jogging on the field this week and also worked with trainers on a side field.

However, Bosa could still be a few weeks away from seeing live game action.

"When he's ready to be out here and can participate in practice, then he'll be out here," Chargers head coach Mike McCoy said. "But if he can't participate, and there's other things we think he should be doing at this point in time, until we say it's time to go, he won't be out here."

Bosa, an Ohio State product, has not participated in a padded practice since rejoining the Chargers after a monthlong absence caused by a contract stalemate. He will have to prove he's ready to compete in a game, mentally and physically, before San Diego's coaching staff activates him for game day.

Bosa stretched and jogged with the team Thursday, but did not do anything with the team on the field during the portion of Friday's practice that was open to reporters.

McCoy said the team continues to take a day-to-day approach to Bosa's eventual debut in a game.

However, McCoy said the team will need to see Bosa in a practice setting for an extended period of time before he receives the green light to play in a game, giving the Chargers a chance to evaluate his stamina and figure out how many snaps he might be available.

"It's important for everybody -- it doesn't matter who you are -- to be out here, see things and work with your teammates," McCoy said. "For a defensive lineman, it's games up front or things like that, so it's critical. To be successful in this league you have to practice."

The Chargers had better news about cornerback Jason Verrett, who participated in Friday's practice after sitting out Thursday with a calf injury. Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano said he expects Verrett to be healthy enough to play against the Jaguars.

"Jason's going to be fine on Sunday," Pagano said. "He'll go out there, and he'll compete and fight. That's what it's all about."

Backup linebacker Nick Dzubnar, who appeared on the injury report this week with a knee injury, also was a full participant in practice Friday.

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