Panthers Provide Encouraging Injury Update on WR Jalen Coker Ahead of Week 6
The Carolina Panthers offered a promising update on wide receiver Jalen Coker on Monday, indicating that help could soon be on the way for their receiving corps.
Coker had been sidelined since before Week 1 after sustaining a quadriceps injury during practice and was placed on injured reserve. He became eligible to return last week after fulfilling the four-game IR requirement, but was not activated ahead of the team’s Week 5 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Now, ahead of their Week 6 clash with the Dallas Cowboys, the Panthers have officially designated Coker to return from injured reserve. This decision allows him to begin practicing with the team again.
While this doesn’t guarantee Coker will suit up against the Cowboys, it’s a step in the right direction and keeps him on track to return soon. The team now has a 21-day window to add him back to the active roster — otherwise, he’ll be ruled out for the rest of the season.
Given his extended absence, it’s possible Coker may need another week or two before he’s game-ready. Still, his impending return is a big boost for Carolina’s offense. Following the trade of veteran slot receiver Adam Thielen to the Minnesota Vikings, Coker was expected to take over a key role in the passing game.
“Jalen Coker’s going to step into the slot,” said Panthers GM Dan Morgan after the Thielen trade. “We invested heavily in Xavier Legette and Tetairoa McMillan, so we’re confident in the group we’ve built. That helped make the Thielen trade easier.”
Coker, who signed as an undrafted free agent in 2024, impressed during his rookie year, posting 32 catches for 478 yards and two touchdowns across 11 games (four starts). With more experience under his belt, he has the potential to be a major contributor once he’s fully healthy.
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