Jacksonville Jaguars WR DJ Chark’s return gives Jaguars offense a boost

One look at the Jacksonville Jaguars’ injury report will show that they’re in good shape ahead of their Week 1 matchup versus the Houston Texans. 

Head coach Urban Meyer has said countless times that the Jacksonville Jaguars had some talented players on the depth chart last season but they didn’t always play up to their talent level. Wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. was among those players. After missing the preseason with a thumb injury, the 2018 second-round pick is ready to return to the lineup.

Last week, Chark told the local media he would for sure play in Week 1. Not once did his name pop up in the Jaguars’ injury report heading into Sunday’s game nor he has had any setbacks, so he looks like a good bet to be at full strength.

The case could be made the Jaguars missed Chark in the preseason. They didn’t have a deep threat that could stretch the field on a consistent basis. In Week 1, he will often be lined up against Vernon Hargreaves, the Texans’ number one cornerback. This is a matchup the fourth-year wide receiver should be able to win more often than not.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense will be at full gear.

The Jaguars’ injury report shows that only cornerback Tre Herndon and rookie Tyson Campbell have been limited in practice.  While Herndon will be most likely out, Campbell will play. Urban Meyer confirmed so during a sitdown with the local media Friday.

"We have him as questionable but he’ll play it. He had a good day yesterday, he’s pretty close to full speed but he’s been limited all week, but he’ll be ready to go. Tre is getting close to, he won’t play this week but he’s getting close."

Also, the offensive line will have all their starters back. Left guard Andrew Norwell missed the preseason with an elbow injury, right guard A.J. Cann was also out after being placed on the COVID-19/Reserve list and center Brandon Linder suffered from patella tendonitis that forced him to miss the last two games of the preseason. They all will play Sunday.

Last season, the Jaguars were ravaged by injuries, so it’s refreshing to see that they will start the season in great shape, Herndon’s absence notwithstanding. The Jaguars are a three-point favorite to win heading into Sunday’s game, and being healthy is a big reason why.