At his media availability of Wednesday, Chargers interim head coach Giff Smith was asked about Joey Bosa and Keenan Allen’s potential participation in Week 18.
While he didn’t write off their chances of playing entirely, he indicated that either suiting up is unlikely. Smith said the chances of Allen and Bosa playing are “slim.”
Smith said that Allen nor Bosa has “progressed” in their comeback efforts as they’ve expected. Allen has dealt with a heel injury since the team’s first loss to the Broncos. Bosa has missed more time after suffering a foot injury against the Packers. The Chargers activated his 21-day practice window two weeks ago, but it seems that we won’t see Bosa be formally activated for play.
With the Chargers being put in a tough spot following the season-ending injury to Justin Herbert, it always seemed unlikely that either Allen or Bosa would return without a potential playoff appearance on the line. The firings of Brandon Staley and Tom Telesco paired with the Bolts’ formal elimination from playoff contention effectively ensured that would be the case.
Smith was also asked about Kenneth Murray (shoulder) and Zion Johnson (neck) after both players missed last week’s game at Denver. He indicated that they’ll have a likelier chance to play depending on how both progress in their recoveries throughout the week. Per the Chargers’ official injury report, Johnson and Murray did not practice today. Jordan McFadden and Nick Niemann started in their respective places against Denver.
Finally, Joshua Palmer is working his way back from his concussion after missing the Denver game in Week 17 as well. Smith indicated that he is “progressing” through the protocol. Palmer was limited in practice today.