Jaguars’ DJ Chark out vs. Dolphins with chest, back injuries

Jaguars wide receiver DJ Chark has been officially ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Dolphins. Chark was previously listed as questionable with chest and back injuries and his condition has not improved.

Chark was uncharacteristically quiet in the Jaguars’ season opener against the Colts, though he did score the team’s first touchdown of 2020. Last week, he managed 84 yards off of just four catches, giving him seven grabs for 109 yards and one touchdown through two games.

A second-round pick in 2018, Chark enjoyed a breakout season last year. With 73 receptions for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns, the Jaguars are counting on him for an encore. For now, Chark is only looking at a one-game absence, but the training staff will monitor him going forward. On the plus side, the Dolphins won’t have top cornerback Byron Jones, either, so it could roughly amount to a wash for both clubs.

With Chark out, the Jaguars will head into tonight’s game with Keelan Cole, Laviska Shenault, Chris Conley and Collin Johnson as their top receivers. The Jags may also look to activate Dede Westbrook for additional depth.