SAN DIEGO -- Joey Bosa practiced in pads for the first time with the San Diego Chargers on Wednesday, although he was limited in his work.
"It was awesome," said Bosa, the defensive end who missed all of training camp during a nasty contract spat. "I haven't had my pads on since the Fiesta Bowl, so it's been awhile. It feels great to be out there."
Now the big question -- when will the first-round draft pick make his NFL debut?
"It's a day-by-day kind of thing," he said.
He might not be ready to go when the Chargers (1-1) play at Indianapolis (0-2) on Sunday.
Coach Mike McCoy didn't provide a timetable for Bosa, who has missed two games.
"This was the next step he needed to make, to come out and be in pads and do what he did today," McCoy said. "He'll be day-to-day. I'll let you know when he can cut it loose."
The former Ohio State star hasn't played since the Fiesta Bowl, when he was ejected in the first quarter for targeting after leading with his helmet on a hit to Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer.
Star tight end Antonio Gates missed practice with a hamstring injury. Left tackle King Dunlap was limited due to an illness and guard Orlando Franklin was limited due to a hamstring injury.
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