Chargers Wide Receiver Corps Looks Even Bleaker After Latest Injury News

The Los Angeles Chargers are kickstarting the Jim Harbaugh era on Sunday as they take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1. This game carries an even bigger significance than a normal season opener as it gives the Bolts an opportunity to get revenge for their stunning 63-21 loss from last season.

However, they will have to do so with a depleted wide receiver corps. The Chargers, who lost Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in the offseason, have one of the less proven WR groups in the league. It turns out they will be missing one of their key pass-catchers for the first four weeks of the season as Tom Pelissero reported that DJ Chark Jr. was placed on the IR list.

NFL News: Chargers Place DJ Chark on Injured Reserve

Chark wasn't able to fulfill the promise he showed at LSU and in his first few seasons with the Jaguars. Yet, he is still one of the more established and experienced members of the Chargers wide receiver corps. The 27-year-old finished the 2023 season with 35 catches, 525 yards, and five touchdowns in 11 starts. Considering that he was a part of one of the most dysfunctional offenses in the league in Carolina, that is nothing to scoff at.

Now, the Chargers will have to rely on their prized rookie Ladd McConkey to carry a larger workload. He will be supported by Quentin Johnston and Josh Palmer as the other starters. One of these wide receivers has to take a significant step forward for the Bolts' offense to have a chance at being competitive.

Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman like to deploy a run-heavy offensive system. They have invested in Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins with that objective in mind. But, they need the threat of high-level receiver play to unlock the run game. Whether the current Chargers corps can do that remains to be seen.

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