The Los Angeles Chargers designated star defensive end Joey Bosa to return from injured reserve as the playoff-bound team prepares for Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

The designation opens a 21-day practice window for Bosa, with a return for Sunday’s game still to be determined.

Bosa, 27, hasn’t played since Week 3 when he came away with a groin injury in a 38-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The four-time Pro Bowl selection was coming off a 2021 season when he had 10.5 sacks, his fourth career season reaching double digits.

The Chargers have been injury-prone all season, with Bosa the last of the team’s stars to make a return. Quarterback Justin Herbert played through fractured rib cartilage, while top wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams missed time.

Despite the personnel issues, the Chargers clinched their second playoff berth in nine seasons when they earned a 20-3 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night. The Chargers can’t catch the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC West title, meaning their final two regular-season games will be used for playoff preparations.

The Chargers’ defense has been improving late in the season, allowing an average of 11.3 points over their last three games, all victories.

After the victory over the Colts, Chargers running back Austin Ekeler was anticipating Bosa’s return, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“At the end of the day, it’s going to take defense to win championships,” said Ekeler, who has 16 combined rushing and receiving touchdowns. “Our defense playing like that — and if we get Joey back — my goodness. I’m looking forward to watching these boys fly around.”

–Field Level Media