The Detroit Lions’ already-short-handed offense got more bad news Saturday.
The Lions ruled wide receiver DJ Chark out for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks with soreness in his surgically repaired ankle.
Chark joins receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and running back D’Andre Swift, the Lions’ leading receiver and rusher, and left guard Jonah Jackson as key offensive players who will not be available Sunday.
Kicker Austin Seibert and defensive lineman John Cominsky are also out with injuries.
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Chark, St. Brown and Swift have combined for 38 catches, 428 yards receiving, 299 yards rushing and six touchdowns in the Lions’ 1-2 start, or about 58% of the team’s yards from scrimmage.
Chark’s absence means the Lions will rely heavily on tight end TJ Hockenson and receiver Josh Reynolds in the passing game Sunday against a Seahawks team that ranks 25th in total defense and is tied for 20th in points allowed.
Kalif Raymond and Quintez Cephus should also take on more prominent roles, and the Lions elevated receivers Tom Kennedy and Maurice Alexander to their game day roster.
The team also signed Dan Skipper, who is expected to make his third straight start at left guard Sunday, and kicker Dominik Eberle from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, and waived guard Drew Forbes and tight end Shane Zylstra.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions WR DJ Chark (ankle) ruled out vs. Seattle Seahawks