Zachary Engberg
2 min read • September 29, 2022
Posted in
On the heels of Justin Herbert's rib cartilage fracture and two consecutive losses, the Chargers took another blow on Wednesday when they placed pro-bowlers Rashawn Slater and Joey Bosa on the IR.
The left tackle and outside linebacker each left after suffering significant muscle injuries, a torn left biceps for Slater and a significant groin tear for Bosa that will require surgery.
Despite the worrying prognosis, both of the standout starters have a strong chance to return during the season, according to the Pro Football Docs.
Bosa should be healthy and ready to return sometime after Thanksgiving while Slater could return for the playoffs, closer to a three-to-four month recovery timeline.
The pass-rusher suffered a groin tear when he slipped on a blitz attempt in the first quarter. He will likely undergo core muscle – aka sports hernia – surgery.
His brother Nick Bosa underwent the same surgery while at Ohio State in September 2018 and did not return until he was drafted in the first round by the 49ers.
His older brother should be able to return well before the end of the season, but he has already landed on IR.
Before the injury, Bosa had 1.5 sacks and two TFL in just over two games.
Slater suffered a likely distal – further away from the torso – biceps tendon tear while fighting off Roy Robertson-Harris, although there is no way to be certain by video.
A proximal tear would end his season, while a distal tear gives Slater a chance to return in time for the playoffs.
The second-year cornerstone was named second-team all-pro in 2021 and is the second starter on the OL, joining center Corey Linsley, to suffer an early-season injury.
Written by Zachary Engberg
