Injury update on Jaguars wide receiver DJ Chark

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver DJ Chark has been ruled out indefinitely with a fractured ankle, per Ian Rapoport.

Chark exited Thursday Night Football versus the Cincinnati Bengals on a cart. The 2018 draft pick out of LSU suffered the injury to his left leg in the first quarter of the game.

His timetable for a return is unknown at this point.

#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

His leg was rolled up on during the Jaguars’ first drive.

Chark has been one of the better receivers in the National Football League the past two seasons, hauling in over 120 catches for over 1,700 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns.

His 2020 season wasn’t quite as strong, but many people expected a big 2021 campaign from the speedy wideout. Through three games, all losses, Chark’s had seven receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns.

The 6-foot-4, 198-pound former Tiger is second on the team in receiving yards but fourth in receptions. Marvin Jones Jr., Laviska Shenault and even running back James Robinson have more catches through three games.

Despite his reception total, Chark has been a key outlet for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. All seven of his receptions have been for first downs.

The second-round draft pick is on a four-year, $4,447,229 contract with Jacksonville. His base salary is 2,183,000 this year.

The former LSU standout has home-run hitting speed, with a 4.34 second 40-yard dash time. That 40-yard dash time puts him in the 98th percentile of players in the NFL, according to PlayerProfiler.

Chark injury history

Perhaps contributing to his numbers so far this season, DJ Chark missed time ahead of the season due to another injury.

The receiver had surgery on his hand for a fracture in his finger two months ago.

“He had surgery on his finger,” NFL Network’s Scott Hanson reported. “This, coming, pretty recently, had a little bit of a hairline fracture in his finger. Nothing to worry about. The Jaguars do expect Chark back before Week 1. No issues here. Probably more of an issue is they really wanted him to get the reps with this new coaching staff to make sure he can hit the ground running when the season begins.”

The Jaguars underwent a change in leadership after the 2021 season. Urban Meyer took over for Doug Marrone who amassed a 25-44 record with Jacksonville.

Jags face Bengals without Lambo

The Jaguars are already playing the Cincinnati Bengals without two veteran leaders. Defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris and kicker Josh Lambo were ruled out on the final injury report on Wednesday.

Robertson-Harris continues to nurse an ankle injury and Lambo deals with a personal matter.

For the Bengals, receiver Tee Higgins (shoulder) and safety Jessie Bates III (neck) are inactive for Thursday night’s game versus the Jags.