Chargers News: Joshua Palmer and DJ Chark Jr. Poised to Lead Rejuvenated Wide Receiver Corps
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The Los Angeles Chargers are looking for their wide receiver group to step up this season following significant roster changes. With Keenan Allen traded and Mike Williams waived, 24-year-old Joshua Palmer has become one of the most experienced receivers on the team.
Joining Palmer is DJ Chark Jr., a free agent acquisition who brings his own experience to the table. Chark, 27, had 35 receptions for 525 yards and five touchdowns last season.
Palmer, who had 581 yards and two touchdowns on 38 receptions last year, was previously the third option for quarterback Justin Herbert. Now, he is expected to take on a larger role alongside Chark and rookie Ladd McConkey, the No. 34 pick from Georgia. McConkey, a two-time CFP national champion, is also expected to compete for significant playing time.
“We have a lot of different personalities and a lot of different guys,” Palmer said during an interview with Chargers.com. “Only a couple guys are back from last season so everyone is fairly new and we’re all learning each other.”
The Chargers' new head coach, Jim Harbaugh, fresh off a national championship with Michigan, is rumored to be focusing more on the run game this season. This shift will make it interesting to see how the team distributes touches among its top receivers.