Joey Bosa Will Finally Make NFL Debut This Week

Joey Bosa is going to play? Joey Bosa is going to play! OK, that’s enough Karate Kid references for one Friday.

The San Diego Chargers’ first-round pick is finally set to make his NFL debut this weekend after sitting out the first four weeks of the 2016 season. Bosa also missed virtually the entire offseason thanks to a protracted holdout. After finally resolving his contract dispute, the third pick from the 2016 NFL Draft injured a hamstring during his first practice. Because of course he did.

Now Bosa is finally healthy and ready to contribute to a Chargers defense that desperately needs him.

It's time. Joey Bosa full participant in practice all week. Game status not listed. Mike McCoy: "It looks like he'll play this week" in OAK.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 7, 2016

Joey Bosa: "It's been a frustrating journey, but it's been a great journey." Feels the wait made him stronger. "I'm definitely ready."
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 7, 2016

Joey Bosa: "I'm going to play how I play. Play hard every day. ... I'm just ready to have my name called whenever they need me."
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 7, 2016

The Chargers are reeling at 1-3 and travel to face the 3-1 Oakland Raiders on Sunday. San Diego ranks 22nd in total defense (371.5 yards per game), 27th in passing defense (290.0 yards per game) and 23rd in scoring defense (27.0 points per game). With starters Manti Te’o and Jason Verrett now lost for the season, the Bolts need all the help they can get. Bosa will be counted on to make an impact immediately.

No pressure kid.