SAN DIEGO -- While ruled out for a fourth straight week because of a lingering hamstring strain, San Diego Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa can finally see light at the end of the tunnel.

Bosa was a limited participant in practice this week and will not play in Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. However, Bosa said the injury is getting better and he's closer to feeling like his old Ohio State self, which means the defensive end should be on the field in a game soon.

Bosa said he picked up the pace in practice this week, and that he feels the best physically since arriving at Chargers Park to sign his rookie deal a month ago.

"I'm very close," Bosa said. "We're getting there. We're just being smart. There's no point to rush someone back, and then you get hurt and you're out for longer when we've got a really long season ahead of us.

"It's only Week 4, and we've got plenty more games to look forward to."

Bosa said he's been running and doing football-specific work twice a day in order to improve his fitness level. During individual work this week, Bosa looked explosive coming out of his stance in line drills and more fluid in lateral movement drills.

Bosa said picking up his role in defensive coordinator John Pagano's scheme should not be an issue once he starts to get team reps.

"It's not a problem," Bosa said. "It's a lot of stuff that I already learned in OTAs. I've just got to keep studying and keep going over it. Once I get in there and start running the plays, it will be a lot easier."

Chargers head coach Mike McCoy said the organization has been making sure not to rush Bosa back on the field too soon.

"Everybody recovers different," McCoy said. "Some people are quicker while it takes others longer. Everybody is different.

"It's great to see him make those strides daily. As a player when you haven't had a lot of injury history, you've got to get through some different things. It's new. So he's been working extremely hard to get back out there."

Along with Bosa, cornerback Brandon Flowers (concussion) and safety Jahleel Addae (clavicle) have been ruled out.

Left tackle King Dunlap (migraines) and tight end Antonio Gates (hamstring) did not practice all week and are doubtful.

Chris Hairston probably will get his second straight start at left tackle for Dunlap, and rookie Hunter Henry will get the nod in place of Gates.

A limited participant in practice most of the week, right tackle Joe Barksdale did not practice Friday due to a foot issue and is questionable. Linebacker Jatavis Brown (hamstring) and right guard Orlando Franklin (back) also are questionable, but both practiced Friday.