It’s Chark Week, folks.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Carolina Panthers wide receiver DJ Chark is expected to play in tonight’s home opener against the New Orleans Saints. This will be the regular-season (and Panthers) debut of the former Pro Bowler.
#Panthers WR D.J. Chark (questionable, hamstring) is playing tonight vs. Saints, per source. Frank Reich old reporters he was expected to play and is now good to go.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 18, 2023
Chark, who was officially listed as questionable for the contest, sustained a hamstring injury nearly one month ago. After two days of being marked as a limited participant for practice, he was a full go during Saturday’s session.
The 26-year-old pass catcher missed the team’s Week 1 outing—where they fell to the host Atlanta Falcons, 24-10. Carolina struggled to piece together their offense through the air, amassing all of 127 passing yards.
Rookie quarterback Bryce Young completed 20 of his 36 throws for 146 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in his NFL debut. No Panthers wideout finished with more than 23 receiving yards on the afternoon.
So, hopefully for Young and the rest of the unit, Chark’s presence helps provide a spark that was desperately missing in their first time out.
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