Chargers' Jim Harbaugh gets brutally honest about DJ Chark's lack of playing time

DJ Chark was active for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons after a season filled with gameday inactives post-IR return. Head coach Jim Harbaugh acknowledged the possibility of Chark's role being expanded earlier in the week. However, the LA Chargers' 2024 free-agent signing would only go on to play only two snaps vs. Atlanta. He played just one offensive snap against the Saints in Week 8.

The question of why Chark wasn't getting snaps was once again broached during Harbaugh's media availability on Monday. Asked by The Athletic's Daniel Popper about Chark not getting opportunities in games, Harbaugh had this to say:

"The opportunity is there," Harbaugh said. "It's during the week, it's there in the practices. You go two plays? One play is an opportunity. So, I like the way he's progressing."

"Anybody who puts on that uniform on a practice day has the license, the ability, and the opportunity to go out there and show they can contribute," Harbaugh continued.

Popper would follow up by asking what it would take for Chark to play more, to which Harbaugh had a rather blunt reply:

"We're gonna play the best players," Harbaugh stated directly. "You know, the guys who play the best, it's not hard. We all see it. Who plays is completely based on who the best players are. How do we know who the best players are? They play the best. It's a complete meritocracy. You got the license, you got the ability-you go out there and show everybody on the team."

"We're going to play the best players"

- Jim Harbaugh on DJ Chark's limited snaps

Jim Harbaugh gives a direct answer for DJ Chark's limited snaps on the Chargers

Harbaugh went off to list the wide receivers ahead of Chark in playing time, one by one, on the basis of their merits. He went down the line mentioning Ladd McConkey, Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston, and Derius Davis.

Initially, Harbaugh did not mention Jalen Reagor being ahead of Chark. Popper then followed up in his line of questioning as to the differentiation of Reagor getting 13 snaps on Sunday vs. Chark getting two:

"So far, he's (Reagor) been playing better. That's why he's playing more snaps," Harbaugh explained.

It was not a banner day for the Chargers' wide receiver room outside of McConkey against Atlanta. The rest of the WR core combined for just 18 yards on four receptions. With the status of McConkey up in the air for the Chiefs' game as he battles a knee injury (in addition to visible shoulder discomfort during the game), the rest of the group will have to collectively step up if he's unable to play.

Chark could receive increased practice reps if McConkey is unable to practice at any point between Wednesday and Friday.

Harbaugh said that the star rookie receiver was, "working through some things," and that they'll know more as the week progresses. The Chargers' head coach also said that McConkey "went until he couldn't go anymore" vs. Atlanta in regards to the nature of his injury.

For the time being, Chark is on the outside looking in when it comes to true offensive opportunities with the Chargers. But, perhaps that changes this week as the team gets prepared for Sunday Night Football vs. the Chiefs.

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