The Chargers signed DJ Chark, a former Pro Bowl receiver, as one of their top signings. After returning from injured reserve, how and why is he behind bars? The first year of Joe Hortiz’s tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers has been quite hectic. In order to find reclamation projects, he has signed unsung heroes and drafted steals. But one of his swings wasn’t successful. D.J. Chark, a former 1000-yard receiver, would be that.
For the Jacksonville Jaguars to bolster their receiving room, they selected DJ Chark in the second round. For an archetype of receiver with height and speed, the possibilities were endless for the LSU product.
Chark recovered and enjoyed a pro-bowl season following a difficult rookie campaign. Despite having a subpar quarterback situation, he managed to record 1008 yards and eight touchdowns. For any NFL player, a rookie receiver in his second season who has already made it to the Pro Bowl is encouraging. Even though he had numerous ailments the next season, he managed to play through 13 games and amass 706 yards and five touchdowns. He only played four games the very next season and was not given a contract extension by the Jaguars, continuing this trend.
He would join Detroit’s high-flying offense and establish himself as a key member of the group. Chark would play 11 games while still dealing with injuries, recording 502 yards and three touchdowns. Chark was able to enter free agency because Detroit decided to give Jameson Williams, their first-round rookie, a larger role in his second season. Carolina was Chark’s final destination prior to the Bolts. An awful transgression. With 525 yards and five touchdowns while being healthy for much of the season, Chark made the most of it.
The Offseason Excitement Coming for the Former Pro-Bowl Receiver
The Chargers recognized that his performance was subpar and offered him the opportunity to return to his pro-bowl level with quarterback Justin Herbert. On May 2, 2024, he signed a contract with the team. Chark was working with the first team during the off-season, collecting passes from Herbert. He appeared to be the offensive star and the answer to the Chargers’ “X” receiver dilemma. It was believed that Chark could provide the much-needed dynamism in 2023, since highlight-level plays were in the making.
Despite the coaching staff’s claims that he is, is he perhaps still not completely healthy?
A player like Chark rarely returns from the injury reserve return window still injured. If he wasn’t prepared, the team wouldn’t designate his return and forfeit a roster place. It is reasonable to assume that they made a mistake if they were a week ahead of schedule. But two weeks after he returned, he didn’t even suit up against a decent team, after having played one offensive snap. It should be mentioned that Harbaugh has publicly stated that Chark hasn’t proven himself worthy of playing time compared to other Chargers receivers.
Even though Harbaugh is a fantastic speaker, his statements to the media should always be regarded with a grain of salt. particularly when it comes to injury-related data. It is also possible that the Chargers misjudged his injury status and believed he would “tough it out,” and that he is still injured and regrettably not well enough to play at his best. Chark’s triumphant, powerful return is probably not in the cards for the Chargers this season. His objective is to become completely healthy and establish a position on the team.
