Injury Recovery Timeline for the Los Angeles Chargers Stars

The Los Angeles Chargers have faced a brutal wave of injuries this season, sidelining several key stars at critical points in their playoff push. From season-ending knee injuries to lingering ankle issues, these setbacks have tested the team’s depth and forced coaches to adjust game plans on the fly. For fans and the organization alike, tracking the injury recovery timelines of these players has become a top priority—both to gauge the Chargers’ chances of a late-season turnaround and to prepare for the 2025 campaign. Injury Recovery Timeline for the Los Angeles Chargers Stars breaks down the latest updates on four of the team’s most impactful injured players, including their diagnosis, expected return windows, and how their recoveries could shape the franchise’s future.

Injury Recovery Timeline for the Los Angeles Chargers Stars begins with edge rusher Joey Bosa, whose season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders dealt a devastating blow to the Chargers’ defense. Bosa, a four-time Pro Bowler and the team’s career sack leader among active players, underwent reconstructive surgery in early October— a procedure typically requiring 9–12 months of recovery. According to Chargers head athletic trainer James Collins, Bosa is currently in the “strengthening phase” of his rehab, focusing on rebuilding muscle around his knee and improving range of motion. “Joey has been ahead of schedule in every step,” Collins said in a recent update. “He started light jogging in December and is now doing agility drills, which is a big milestone for ACL recovery. Our goal is to have him fully cleared for training camp in July 2025, but we won’t rush him—long-term health is our priority.” Bosa’s absence this season has been keenly felt: the Chargers’ pass rush has dropped from 11th in the NFL in sacks last year to 22nd in 2024, with opposing quarterbacks averaging 2.8 more seconds to throw without Bosa’s pressure. For the Chargers, Bosa’s timely recovery will be critical to rebuilding their defensive dominance next season.

A second key player on the recovery list is defensive tackle Austin Johnson, who suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 10 against the Denver Broncos—an injury that has kept him out of the lineup for six weeks. Unlike Bosa’s ACL tear, a high ankle sprain (a stretch or tear of the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula) typically takes 4–8 weeks to heal, depending on severity. Johnson’s injury was classified as “moderate,” with no additional damage to surrounding tendons, leading the Chargers’ medical staff to initially project a 6–7 week recovery window. As of late December, Johnson has returned to limited practice, participating in walkthroughs and light strength training but not yet engaging in full-contact drills. “Austin is making good progress,” Collins noted. “He’s able to cut and change direction without pain, which is a key sign that the ligaments are healing properly. We’re targeting a possible return for the Chargers’ final regular-season game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18, but we’ll only clear him if he passes all our functional tests—no exceptions.” Johnson’s return would provide a much-needed boost to the Chargers’ run defense, which has allowed 142 rushing yards per game without him—28 yards more than their average when he was healthy.

Injury Recovery Timeline for the Los Angeles Chargers Stars also includes cornerback J.C. Jackson, whose lingering knee inflammation has kept him sidelined since Week 12 and created uncertainty around his short-term future with the Los Angeles Chargers. Jackson, who signed a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Chargers in 2022, first injured his knee in Week 6 but played through the pain until the inflammation worsened, forcing him to miss practice and games. After an MRI in November revealed no structural damage (ruling out tears or fractures), the medical staff prescribed a “rest and rehabilitation” plan focused on reducing swelling and strengthening the knee’s supporting muscles. As of early January, Jackson has resumed individual drills but remains limited in team sessions. “J.C.’s injury is tricky because it’s inflammatory, not structural,” Collins explained. “There’s no set timeline for recovery— it depends on how his knee responds to treatment. We’re hopeful he can return for the playoffs if we qualify, but right now, we’re taking it day by day.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Jackson’s availability is critical: the team’s secondary has allowed 10 passing touchdowns in his absence, compared to just 5 when he was in the lineup. His recovery also carries long-term implications, as the Chargers may need to restructure his contract if his injury issues persist into 2025.

Another player with a notable recovery timeline is wide receiver Mike Williams, who suffered a fractured fibula in Week 8 but avoided season-ending surgery thanks to prompt medical intervention. Williams, who was having a breakout season with 45 catches for 630 yards and 4 touchdowns before the injury, underwent a minimally invasive procedure to stabilize the fracture— a treatment that shortened his expected recovery from 12 weeks to 8–10 weeks. As of mid-December, Williams has been cleared for non-contact drills, including route-running and catching passes from quarterbacks, and is targeting a return for the Chargers’ Week 17 matchup against the Denver Broncos. “Mike’s recovery has been exceptional,” Collins said. “The minimally invasive surgery helped reduce scar tissue and speed up healing, and he’s been diligent with his rehab. We’re confident he’ll be able to contribute in the final two games if we need him.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Williams’ return would provide a much-needed third receiving option alongside Davante Adams and Quentin Johnston, easing pressure on Justin Herbert and opening up the offense’s playbook. His presence could also be a difference-maker in close games, as Williams has a career average of 16.2 yards per catch—one of the highest among active NFL receivers.

Finally, Injury Recovery Timeline for the Los Angeles Chargers Stars wraps up with the collective impact of these recoveries on the Los Angeles Chargers’ 2024 season and 2025 offseason planning. While Bosa and possibly Jackson will miss the remainder of the 2024 campaign (if the Chargers don’t make the playoffs), the potential returns of Johnson and Williams in the final weeks could give the team a fighting chance to finish strong. For the offseason, the Chargers’ front office will need to prioritize depth at positions hit hard by injuries— particularly edge rusher and cornerback— to avoid similar setbacks next year. “Injuries are part of the NFL, but we can’t rely on luck to stay healthy,” general manager Tom Telesco said in a recent interview. “We need to build a roster where every position has capable backups, and we need to invest in sports science and medical staff to prevent injuries before they happen.” For fans, the recovery timelines offer a mix of hope and realism: while some stars will be back soon, others will take time to heal— a reminder of the physical toll the NFL takes on its players. Injury Recovery Timeline for the Los Angeles Chargers Stars ultimately shows that in football, success isn’t just about talent on the field—it’s about managing adversity, supporting players through recovery, and planning for the future. And for the Chargers, these timelines will be a roadmap as they look to bounce back in 2025.