Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 players who must show out vs Texans in Week 1

Jacksonville Jaguars player who must show out No. 4 – WR DJ Chark

The Jaguars’ number-one wide receiver, DJ Chark Jr., missed the preseason with a hand injury. But he’s good to go. He had a sitdown with the local media and said he would suit up for the season opener, “for sure I’ll be there”. The 2018 second-round pick hasn’t suffered any setbacks and has gotten more work ahead of Week 1.

A Pro Bowl nod in 2019, Chark saw his production dip last season, catching just 53 receptions for 706 yards and five touchdowns after hauling in 73 receptions for 1,008 yards, along with eight trips to the end zone, the season before.

On the bright side, Chark, just like every single Jaguars skilled-position player will benefit from the stability rookie Trevor Lawrence will give to the quarterback position. The Jaguars are counting on the former LSU Tiger to stretch the field in Week 1.

Head coach Urban Meyer challenged Chark to gain weight this offseason. This could help him perform even better in 2021.

The Texans will probably assign cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III to guard Chark. Hargreaves gave up a 68.9 completion percentage and six receiving touchdowns last season, so it looks like he will have a favorable matchup. Moreover, Houston may not be able to double team him often due to the presence of Laviska Shenault Jr. and Marvin Jones Jr. Expect Trevor Lawrence to target the fourth-year wide receiver early and often on Sunday.