One of Trevor Lawrence’s primary targets went down to start the game on Thursday Night Football. Tough break for D.J. Chark.
The Jacksonville Jaguars entered Thursday night looking to win their first game of the season at the expense of the Cincinnati Bengals. That goal just become much more difficult, as one of their top wide receivers suffered an injury during their Week 4 contest.
In the first quarter, D.J. Chark had his ankle rolled up on by teammate James Robinson in a friendly case of friendly fire. He was carted off the field and looked to be in significant pain. At the time of this injury, the Jaguars listed Chark as questionable to return with what is being described as an ankle injury.
#Jaguars WR DJ Chark, rolled up on the back of his leg, was carted off the field in significant pain.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 1, 2021
Later in the first half, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Chark was diagnosed with a fractured ankle and will be out indefinitely.
#Jaguars WR DJ Chark suffered a fractured ankle, source said. Out indefinitely. Just a brutal injury for one of Jacksonville’s best players.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 1, 2021
D.J. Chark injury: Who is his backup?
With Chark likely out for the remainder of Thursday night’s contest, many Jaguars fans have to be wondering who will fill-in in his absence. Chark’s backup, per the Jaguars depth chart, is Tyron Johnson. Marvin Jones is the second receiver, so expect him to get even more work while the Jags try to work Johnson into the offense.
Through the first three games of the season, Chark logged seven receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns on 22 targets.
We will keep you posted once an official recovery timeline is provided by the team. But, as the Rapoport report stated, Chark will be out for quite some time.