Ja'Sir

Taylor

CB Asante Samuel Jr. (shoulder) was also ruled out. While an elite secondary is not required to limit Bo Nix, the Chargers’ defensive losses are notable here. Nix could have an easier-than-expected time returning QB2 value.

Bosa, who has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons, has already missed two games because of the hip issue. The fact that he is not practicing coming out of LA’s bye week suggests he is still a long way out from returning. Cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor (fibula), who also missed Week 4, did not practice either. Expect the Chargers to remain undermanned on defense for Week 6 versus Denver.

Bosa was listed as limited for Wednesday’s practice but was then downgraded to a DNP on Thursday. The Athletic’s Daniel Popper noted that Bosa was working off to the side, not in uniform, for Friday’s practice. It sounds like the oft-injured defender is on the wrong side of questionable for Week 2, though his status is still up in the air. Even without Bosa, the Chargers should be able to contain Bryce Young, who is coming off a dreadful Week 1 versus the Saints. Cornerback Ja’sir Taylor is also listed as questionable.

Slot CB Ja’Sir Taylor (fibula) was also absent on Wednesday. The Chargers’ middling secondary cannot afford to lose two starters in one week, though the Panthers’ lackluster passing game is likely a manageable opponent even if the defense is short staffed.

23 years old, Taylor (5'11"/188) is a speedster who boasts excellent return ability. On defense, he played in a school-record 62 games, but he never put it all together. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler also charted Taylor as having committed nine penalties while allowing five touchdowns in 2021. He is basically being drafted for his wheels, with the hope that he can contribute on special teams and perhaps rock up at corner.