Jaguars WR DJ Chark reportedly suffered fractured ankle in ‘TNF’ game

The Jaguars lost one of their key offensive weapons on Thursday night, but the injury may not be as serious as it first looked. Wide receiver DJ Chark was carted off the field during the first quarter of Thursday night’s game against the Bengals. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the wideout suffered a fractured ankle, an injury that will surely sideline him for the foreseeable future.

Chark had his ankle awkwardly bent back during a play. He was unable to put weight on his leg and was ultimately carted off the field. After initially being listed as “questionable” to return, the receiver was downgraded to “out.”

The former second-round pick had a breakout campaign in 2019, finishing with 1,028 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns. His numbers took a step back in 2020, and through the first three games of the 2021 campaign, he hauled in only seven receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns.

Fortunately for Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars, the passing game can still lean on receivers Marvin Jones and Laviska Shenault. The Jags also activated Tavon Austin on Thursday day, providing the team with another weapon.