Jalen Coker Heads to IR with a Quad Injury

What They're Saying

Adam Schefter of ESPN: “Panthers are re-signing WR Hunter Renfrow to their active roster, per sources. Renfrow played at Clemson, and now will get to play at Carolina. In a corresponding move, Carolina WR Jalen Coker is being placed on IR due to a quad injury."

Jordan Schultz: "The Panthers are really excited about Jalen Coker and what he can become. Having stayed for the entire offseason to train, Coker transformed his body and earned a starting role within Carolina’s offense.
While he will miss at least the four games of the 2025 season, Coker will be back — with high hopes to make a real impact for Bryce Young and Co."

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

Just days after trading WR Adam Thielen to the Vikings, the Panthers took a hit with Coker’s injury. He was expected to step into the slot role vacated by Thielen, but that debut will be delayed.

Coker showed promise as an undrafted rookie last year, carving out a role late in the season. He finished with 32 catches for 478 yards and two TDs, enough to make Thielen expendable in a trade.

The injury pushes Coker into the undraftable range, but he is worth monitoring on the waiver wire when activated off IR.

Other Winners & Losers

Hunter Renfrow could step in as the immediate slot WR despite being cut at the end of the preseason. He’ll compete with rookie Jimmy Horn for Week 1 snaps.