Will Chargers Injuries Save Coach Brandon Staley's job?

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Los Angeles defensive end Joey Bosa went on injured reserve and you have to wonder one thing about the Chargers injuries.

Down deep, is Chargers coach Brandon Staley relieved to have an excuse for this year? Is Staley on the hot seat or does he get a mulligan for this season?

The Chargers (1-2) have more questions than answers. Even in the crowded AFC, the Chargers were a popular darkhorse pick to make the Super Bowl. Stars such as Bosa, quarterback Justin Herbert, safety Derwin James were to lead the way.

Closer look at Chargers Injuries

Injuries to Bosa, Herbert, Allen and Slater have contributed to the slow start, but also raised questions about Staley. The Chargers have lost a tight game in Kansas City after a poor coaching decision and then got hammered at home by Jacksonville.

Joey Bosa Chargers injuries

INGLEWOOD, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley gives Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa (97) as he walks off the field with an injury the NFL regular season game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Los Angeles Chargers on September 25, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Chargers brought in Jackson, Mack and tackles Austin Johnson and Sebastian Joseph-Day to upgrade the defense. The Jaguars are improved. But an East Coast team crossing the country and putting up 38 points against a team with a former defensive coordinator as coach leaves people to wonder.

Is Staley up for the task? Over his past four games dating to the season finale in 2021, Staley has caused many to question his thinking.

Here are the baffling moments or decisions during Staley’s tenure:

These instances have come as the pressure on Staley has increased. Amid the early flurry of injuries, will Staley recede from the challenge of the opportunity the Chargers still have if they can get healthy?

Chargers inuries

Justin Herbert #10 of the Chargers is helped off the field in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Or will he take on those challenges and survive the pressure.

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Jason Cole has covered or written about pro football since 1992. He is one of 49 selectors for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and has served as a selector since 2013. Cole has worked for publications such as Bleacher Report, Yahoo! Sports, The Miami Herald, the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, and started his career with the Peninsula Times-Tribune in Palo Alto. Cole’s five-year investigation of Reggie Bush and the University of Southern California resulted in Bush becoming the only player to ever relinquish his Heisman Trophy and USC losing its 2004 national championship.