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Carolina Panthers' secret weapon Jalen Coker looks ready for return

Carolina may be getting its best receiver back this week.
Tim Weaver|
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 6: Quarterback Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers interacts with wide receiver Jalen Coker #18 on the field during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, at Soldier Field on October 6, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 6: Quarterback Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers interacts with wide receiver Jalen Coker #18 on the field during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, at Soldier Field on October 6, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. | (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)

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Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers were supposed to be so loaded and so strong at wide receiver this year that they wouldn't even need Adam Thielen. Turns out, that was a bad miscalculation by the front office - and they paid for it right away. The day after they delt Thielen to the Minnesota Vikings, Jalen Coker suffered a quad injury that put him out for the team's first five games.

In the meantime, the Panthers have had a very difficult time getting their passing game off the ground. Only rookie Tetairoa McMillan has consistently produced as a receiver for Bryce Young.

Good news may finall be arriving this week, though. Coker has been a full participant at practice, so there's a real chance he will be making his 2025 debut on Sunday - and not a moment too soon. Here's the compete updated injury report.

Panthers Week 5 injury report (Thurs.)

- RB Chuba Hubbard: Calf - DNP

- OT Taylor Moton: Elbow - DNP

- DT Tershawn Wharton: Toe - DNP

- CB Akayleb Evans: Hamstring - DNP

- TE Ja'Tavion Sanders: Ankle - Full

- CB Chau Smith-Wade: Chest - Full

- CB Mike Jackson: Ribs - Full

- WR Jalen Coker: Quad - Full

Last season Coker's best game happened to come against Dallas. He possted a season high 110 yards and a touchdown.

Coker might even be in for an even bigger game, as the Dallas Cowboys have given up the most fantasy football points to wide receivers of any team this season.

If Coker can quickly re-establish his rhythm with Young, it'll add another major weapon added to the picture.

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Tim Weaver
TIM WEAVER

Tim Weaver has been writing about the NFL since the 2013 season for multiple teams and outlets, including USA Today and The Sporting News. He currently covers the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers for On SI.