Detroit Lions’ DJ Chark: Ankle feeling better ‘times 10,’ expects to play vs. Patriots

Detroit Free Press

DJ Chark said there is nothing structurally wrong with his surgically repaired left ankle, and the Detroit Lions wide receiver hopes to return to action Sunday after sitting out last week’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

“It’s better,” Chark said in the locker room after practice Wednesday. “What’s today, Wednesday? Times 10 (better) than last Wednesday. That’s always great.”

Chark and fellow receiver Josh Reynolds returned to practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday to rest ankle injuries.

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Chark, who missed 13 games with a fractured ankle last season, said he was sidelined with soreness in the joint after playing a full compliment of snaps in the Lions’ Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Chark was a limited participant in practice last Wednesday, but did not take part in workouts Thursday or Friday.

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The Lions played without three of their top offensive weapons, Chark, Amon-Ra St. Brown and D’Andre Swift, in last week’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks, and lost another receiver, Quintez Cephus, during the game to a foot injury.

St. Brown, Swift and Cephus remained out of practice Thursday and could miss Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots (1-3). Reynolds played through a low ankle sprain against the Seahawks.

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Chark said he is optimistic about his chances of playing Sunday.

“I know my ankle is structurally sound so that’s the thing that keeps me from worrying too much,” he said. “The emotions that come over is I just want to be out there with my team, so as soon as possible I’ll be out there and it’s looking pretty positive. I’ve been feeling pretty good, been in a better mood, just ready to go out there and play with my guys.”

Tight end T.J. Hockenson and center Frank Ragnow also returned to practice Thursday, while the Lions (1-3) still were without linebacker Chris Board (knee) and defensive lineman John Cominsky (wrist).

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

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