Panthers WR DJ Chark Jr. 'optimistic' about playing Week 1

The Carolina Panthers wanted to avoid more injuries to the wide receiver room, and then last week, DJ Chark Jr. went down with a hamstring injury. However, since the initial injury, Chark has progressed as expected, and the team believes that he could be available come Week 1 of the NFL regular season.  Injured alongside Chark […]

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Aug 18, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. (17) reacts after a catch during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Feature image via Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers wanted to avoid more injuries to the wide receiver room, and then last week, DJ Chark Jr. went down with a hamstring injury. 

However, since the initial injury, Chark has progressed as expected, and the team believes that he could be available come Week 1 of the NFL regular season. 

Injured alongside Chark were the pending returns of Terrace Marshall Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr. Marshall injured his back and Shenault is in concussion protocol. 

“Terrace was out there today, as you guys know, and got some work out there today,” he said. “He didn’t do everything but did enough. It was a good first step. Obviously, DJ’s workin’ inside, so we’ll see how he continues to progress. I know these guys are doin’ everything they can.”

Reich added about Shenault: "He’s trending positively, yes.”

In a wide receiver room desperate for healthy and capable bodies, including the recent trade for former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette, who possesses skills the Panthers desperately need heading into meaningful football games. 

The Panthers play the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 10. Until then, the questions about the health of the Panthers wide receiver rooms will only continue to linger. 

Feature image via Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports.