We reported on August 1 that Panthers WR Jalen Coker was off to a slow start in training camp and that his roster spot could be in danger. He's seemingly turned it around since, though, including a 2-17-1 receiving line in the preseason opener. HC Dave Canales called Coker "one of the more reliable guys we have" on Monday.
What They're Saying
Canales on Coker: "Jalen has really showed to be one of the more reliable guys we have. ... He plays strong to the ball. ... He keeps showing us that, he's gonna be on the field playing."
2025 Fantasy Football Impact
Coker played behind WRs Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, and Adam Thielen to begin Week 1 of the preseason. But he took over a full-time role after Legette was ejected for fighting. Coker scored a TD after finding a soft spot in the back of the end zone on a Bryce Young scramble drill.
Although he's still likely fourth on the depth chart right now, Coker is capable of pushing either Legette or Thielen for snaps. He averaged a solid 1.72 yards per route as a rookie last year and proved capable of playing both outside and in the slot.
Coker is back on the radar as a late-round option in best-ball drafts and a potential in-season addition in lineup-setting leagues.