The Carolina Panthers’ underrated wide receiver Jalen Coker suffered a significant quad strain in the last week of August, prompting the team to place him on injured reserve. As a result, the former undrafted free agent has missed the first six games of the regular season. The Panthers opened Coker’s practice window on Wednesday, October 8, but he did not play in Week 6 despite being a full participant.
Carolina Panthers have massive news for hidden gem
Carolina Panthers, Jalen Coker
Nov 3, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) catches the ball as New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) and safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) defend in the second qarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
For the second straight week, Jalen Coker was a full participant in practice and did not carry an injury designation. According to Adam Schefter, the Panthers have officially activated him from injured reserve. As Schefter notes, Coker is expected to make his regular-season debut, which is encouraging news for Bryce Young.
Panthers activated wide receiver Jalen Coker and offensive lineman Austin Corbett from IR and both are expected to play Sunday.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 18, 2025
The impact of his activation
Carolina Panthers, Jalen Coker
Aug 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (18) during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Jalen Coker’s return positively impacts the offense because he is one of Bryce Young’s favorite targets and has developed chemistry, especially in the second half of last season. When Young regained the starting quarterback job in Week 8, Coker hauled in 24 receptions for 370 yards and two touchdowns over the last seven games. At that pace, he would have finished with 58 receptions for 899 yards and five touchdowns in a 17-game season.
Finally, his return boosts the offense because the Panthers have lacked a reliable target in the slot, especially after trading Adam Thielen to the Minnesota Vikings.
Who has replaced him in the slot?
Carolina Panthers, Hunter Renfrow
Oct 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Hunter Renfrow has filled in as the primary slot receiver. The former Pro Bowler has been ineffective, totaling 15 receptions for 89 yards and two touchdowns across six games, including two starts, while playing 51% of offensive snaps. Renfrow has seen his playing time dip recently, with just 99 snaps over the past four games compared to 111 in the first two.
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