If the Jacksonville Jaguars turn their season around after coming off their bye week, they will have to do so without one of their best players in DJ Chark. According to coach Urban Meyer, the fourth-year receiver’s 2021 season is done as he won’t be able to return from the left ankle fracture he sustained Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
This news comes after the Jags placed Chark on injured reserve on Oct. 4, which was four days after the injury occurred. Chark sustained the injury early in Week 4’s game when offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor inadvertently fell on the receiver’s ankle as he was stalk blocking. The injury resulted in Chark having to be carted off after being looked at by the trainers.
Chark was on a contract year for the Jags and they had high hopes of him leading their receivers group due to his deep speed ability. However, his future with the team is now uncertain and the Jags’ journey for a No. 1 receiver will continue. Ultimately, the decision on his future in Jacksonville will fall on Meyer and general manager Trent Baalke as the injury complicates what exactly would be the right route to go with the former second-round pick.
Chark was able to garner seven catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns this season. In terms of his career total, he accumulated 147 catches for 2,042 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns and was the last receiver to go to the Pro Bowl for the Jags (2019).