The Carolina Panthers got some good news before Thursday night’s trip to Lambeau Field. Wide receiver Jalen Coker, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury, went from limited on Monday to a full participant at Tuesday’s practice, as reported by ClutchPoints. He’s still on the injury report, but he’s widely expected to be cleared to face the Green Bay Packers.
Carolina could use him. The Panthers are coming off a 43-13 beatdown at home against Tampa Bay, and Coker was a non-factor in that one with one catch for 9 yards on four targets. The week before, in a 25-14 win at Philadelphia, he went for 6 catches and 97 yards on 13 targets.
On the season, Coker has 25 catches for 328 yards and 2 touchdowns, second on the team in receiving yards behind Tetairoa McMillan (36 catches, 511 yards, 2 TDs). Bryce Young and the Panthers’ passing attack ranks second in the league at 276.0 yards per game, per ClutchPoints.
The IAHHM Take
Coker’s story is one Carolina fans should love. He went undrafted out of Holy Cross in 2024, made the team, and earned a three-year extension through 2029 this summer worth $35 million, with incentives that could push it to $41 million, per NFL Network via WBTW. He also showed up big in last season’s wild-card game against the Rams with 9 catches, 134 yards and a touchdown.
A prime-time road game in Green Bay after getting embarrassed at home is a gut check. Having Coker and McMillan both healthy gives Bryce Young two big targets and a real chance to answer back on national TV.
Panthers fans, what’s the call for Thursday: bounce-back win at Lambeau or another long night?
Source: ClutchPoints | WBTW
