Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa may be eligible to play this weekend. Chargers head coach Brandon Staley told the media that Bosa tested negative for COVID-19 and could be activated to play on Saturday if his tests continue to come back negative.
Bosa has tested negative, per Staley. If he continues to test negative, he will be eligible to be activated Saturday. https://t.co/nomYqswedn
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) November 17, 2021
He was put on the injury report for being a close contract trace for COVID-19, but did not test positive for the virus. However, he is not vaccinated, which means he has different protocols to follow than vaccinated players who test negative.
If a player is vaccinated and comes into close contact with someone who tests positive for the virus, the NFL does not require them to quarantine.
According to NFL reporter Ari Meirov, Bosa must be away from the team for five days because he was a close contact. But if he continues to test negative, he could join the team Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
#Chargers DE Joey Bosa was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list because he's a close contact. As an unvaccinated player that means he's away from the team for five days. If he continues to test negative, he has a chance to play Sunday night vs. Pittsburgh.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 17, 2021
Defensive end Jerry Tillery is also on COVID-19 reserve for the Chargers. Potentially being short-handed on defense this weekend could be devastating to the Chargers. The team is currently 5-4, just one win behind the 6-4 Chiefs in the AFC West.
With their home loss against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10, LA needs to rebuild momentum if they have any intentions of making a playoff run. The Steelers are coming off a Week 10 tie with the winless Detroit Lions. This either means that they have zero momentum, or they are hungry for a win.