Joey Bosa misses Chargers practice ahead of Carolina game

Joey Bosa, the Chargers' star outside linebacker, missed practice on Thursday due to a back injury, raising concerns ahead of the upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers. Bosa had previously shown promise in the season opener against the Raiders, where he recorded seven tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. However, his injury history, including issues with his groin, hamstring, and foot over the last two seasons, has made his availability uncertain. The Chargers are set to practice in El Segundo on Friday before traveling to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the game on Sunday at 10 a.m. PDT. The final injury report will be released on Friday afternoon, which will clarify Bosa's status. After the victory against the Raiders, Bosa was seen with a large bandage on his midsection, indicating the severity of his back issue. Coach Jim Harbaugh praised Bosa's performance when healthy, emphasizing his impact on the game and the defense. Alongside Khalil Mack, who also had a strong performance against the Raiders, Bosa is considered a key player for the Chargers' defense. The duo's ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks is crucial for the team's success. In addition to Bosa's situation, the Chargers were also without safety Alohi Gilman due to a knee injury. Other players, including running back Hassan Haskins and receiver Joshua Palmer, were limited participants in practice, highlighting the team's injury challenges as they prepare for the Panthers.