DJ Chark Jr. DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Los Angeles Chargers wide receivers Ladd McConkey (hip), DJ Chark (groin) and Simi Fehoko (groin, shoulder) were all limited in practice on Thursday. In addition, Quentin Johnston (ankle) was a DNP, so LA's receiving corps is pretty banged up heading into a Monday night matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7. Chark returned to practice this week for the first time since landing on Injured Reserve before the season opener, but it's unclear if he'll be activated this weekend in order to make his 2024 debut against the Cardinals. Whenever the 28-year-old does return, he'll merely be fighting for targets behind Johnston, McConkey and Joshua Palmer. The rookie McConkey has been quarterback Justin Herbert's favorite target and has 19 catches for 219 yards and two TDs in his first five NFL games. If he's active, fantasy managers should treat him as a WR3/flex against the Cardinals.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (hip) is set to have his practice window open on Wednesday, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. Chark has been on the injured reserve since the opening week with a hip injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during practice this week as he could make his 2024 season debut on Monday evening against the Arizona Cardinals. Last season, Chark caught 35 passes for 525 yards and five scores with the Carolina Panthers. When Chark returns, he should compete for targets with Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnson, and Ladd McConkey and should be left on all waiver wires for now.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver D.J. Chark (hip) has spent the first four weeks of the season on the PUP list and is expected to resume practicing ahead of Week 5 when the team is on its bye, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Chargers' early bye week is convenient for Chark as it gives him extra time to practice while (potentially) missing no more than the minimum four games. Once activated, Chark figures to command a few looks per game in an offense where the other top wide receivers are Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Josh Palmer. Still, Chark is off the fantasy radar ahead of his eventual return.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (hip) has been placed on the injured reserve on Saturday. This means Chark will now miss at least the first four weeks of the regular season. He continues battling a hip issue that looks like it's going to need more time to heal. His absence should mean more targets for Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnston, and rookie Ladd McConkey to open the season. Out of the three, Palmer probably has the most streaming appeal, but Johnson and McConkey should get chances as well. Chark isn't someone who needs to be stashed in most fantasy formats.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (hip) will miss Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Chark, who joined the Chargers on a one-year deal this offseason, was expected to be a key starter. With him sidelined, Joshua Palmer, Ladd McConkey, and Quentin Johnston will lead the Chargers' receiving corps in Week 1. Palmer is likely to see the most significant boost in opportunities, but McConkey and Johnston will also get a chance to prove themselves. Given the anticipated run-heavy approach for the Chargers, it may not be wise to start any of their wide receivers this week. Chark, who didn't practice this week, aims for a return on September 15 against the Panthers.