San Diego Chargers DE Joey Bosa hopeful for pro debut on Sunday

SAN DIEGO -- Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa was a full participant in practice for the first time in his rookie season, meaning he could see his first game action as a pro when San Diego hits the road to take on the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.

Bosa suffered a hamstring injury during his first practice in late August, forcing him to miss the first four games of the season.

He also missed training camp due to a month-long holdout over a contract stalemate regarding his rookie contract over offset language and the earlier payment of deferred signing-bonus money.

Bosa participated in just one padded practice this season, but the rookie says he feels great and ready to play if given the green light by San Diego's training staff.

"I've been busting my butt the last two weeks or more, once I really was able to start working and running to really get in shape and get ready to get out there and play," Bosa told reporters on Wednesday. "It's been a long process. It's been tough. I'm just excited to finally be out there."

Chargers head coach Mike McCoy said the team will wait until the end of the week to make a decision on if Bosa will be active for Sunday's game. The Chargers did make a move Wednesday, releasing defensive tackle Ryan Carrethers and bringing back cornerback Stevie Williams, adding depth to the team's lean cornerback position.

With just six healthy defensive linemen on the roster, that would seem to indicate Bosa could be active and available on Sunday.

"There's a lot of football left," McCoy said. "And coming off of his injury, you want to make sure he's ready to go, and he's able to play at a high level -- and that he can go from sideline to sideline, which you have to at his position.

"He made a nice step today, and we've got a couple more hard days of work here getting ready for Oakland. So we'll make that decision over the weekend."

Bosa said he hasn't missed a game since suffering a broken hand in youth football -- that includes playing in 38 games over three seasons at Ohio State.

"It's been a new experience watching my team from the sidelines watching them play," Bosa said. "It's been tough, but like I said, I'm really ready to get going."