Panthers WR coach Shawn Jefferson on DJ Chark: He’s not getting hurt this year

Never mind an injury bug—DJ Chark has been bitten by the injury shark.

After missing action in each of his five NFL seasons, the new Carolina Panthers wide receiver is looking for a new (and healthy) start in 2023. And so far, he’s been exceptionally strong—lighting up the deep-ball game day in and day out during this summer’s training camp.

Chark was profiled by Joe Person of The Athletic in a piece from Thursday morning, which included a hopeful quote from wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson.

“He’ll be healthy this year, I can assure you that. We’ve been grinding through offseason (and) training camp. And training camp is about getting these guys calloused up,” Jefferson said. “He’s not getting hurt this year. We’re going in with that mindset that he’s not getting hurt. He’ll play a full season this year.”

The 26-year-old hasn’t played a full season yet. A bothersome ankle, one he underwent surgery on this offseason, caused him to miss 12 games in 2021 and six games in 2022.

But as he returns to full health and full speed, Chark—who told Person it’s time to get back on track—seems ready to stay in the water.