The Los Angeles Chargers find themselves in a dogfight for the AFC West division crown. At 5-4, they’re tied with the Las Vegas Raiders for second place, half a game ahead of the 5-5 Denver Broncos and one game behind the surging Kansas City Chiefs. Every game counts, including their upcoming battle against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
When they take the field in that critical game, they might be without the services of outside linebacker Joey Bosa who, along with defensive lineman Jerry Tillery, was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
The Chargers have placed DE Joey Bosa and DT Jerry Tillery on the COVID-19 list.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 16, 2021
It’s unclear at the moment whether or not they two were placed on the list because they tested positive for COVID or if they came into contact with someone infected. It’s also unknown whether or not they are vaccinated. All of this information will inform how long they must quarantine and whether or not they’ll be back in time for the game on Sunday.
If they are vaccinated, they’ll need to be asymptomatic and get two negative tests 24 hours apart in order to return. If they are unvaccinated, they’ll be required to remain in quarantine for 10 days, which means they’ll definitely miss the game.
Bosa’s brother, Nick, was originally hesitant to get the vaccine but ultimately did before the season started.
Bosa leads the Chargers with 5.5 sacks so far in 9 games, and also has 25 tackles and three forced fumbles. Tillery has 2.5 sacks, 13 solo tackles, and 16 assists.
The only silver lining for the Chargers is that they’re joined on the COVID-19 list by Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. We’ll see if any of them are able to play in the big game on Sunday or if their absences will be felt by both squads.
[NFL.com]
