The Carolina Panthers will put wide receiver Jalen Coker through a workout on Saturday before determining his status for Week 4 against the Detroit Lions. If the breakout star cannot go, head coach Dave Canales confirmed that Ja'seem Reed will be elevated from the practice squad.
This is the opportunity Reed has been waiting for, even if it comes under unfortunate circumstances.
Based on the work Reed put in over the summer, he could be a surprise the Lions don't see coming on Sunday Night Football.
Ja'seem Reed could finally get his Carolina Panthers chance if Jalen Coker can't go
Reed joined the Panthers last year and got a reserve/futures contract once the campaign concluded. The improvements were notable, with the physically imposing pass-catcher making a strong impression in training camp and entering consideration for a roster spot.
Some beat writers even deemed Reed a lock heading into the preseason. Unfortunately, things tailed off slightly, and the undrafted free agent fell victim to the numbers game when push came to shove.
Though disappointing, the Panthers saw enough in Reed to keep him around on the practice squad to continue his development.
And if Coker cannot go, with Xavier Legette also week-to-week with a knee complication, Reed could finally get his shot.
He has to seize it.
Ja'seem Reed must take his chance if evevated from the practice squad
Players like Reed don't get many chances to prove their worth in the regular season. He's started from the bottom, and sticking around in Carolina this long is an achievement. But if the wideout wants to take the next step, taking advantage of the opportunities that may arrive from quarterback Bryce Young is imperative.
Reed has a lot going for him.
He's got the size and speed to stretch the field. Reed can make tough catches look routine, and he's a physical presence after the catch with a nice blend of burst and contact balance.
The receiver is an unknown quantity, of course. But that's what makes his potential involvement so intriguing.
Obviously, Coker would be another huge loss if he cannot go, and the Panthers cannot afford to have any more of their top stars missing time. They already have enough on the shelf, which stretches the team's depth and forces general manager Dan Morgan to consider even more outside additions.
But if Reed can fill the void effectively, that's one less problem Canales has to solve if Coker cannot prove his fitness.
Reed will be preparing as if he's going to get called up. Even if Coker is active, he won't be 100 percent. So the Panthers might consider an elevation even if they initially give the Holy Cross product the all-clear.
They cannot leave anything to chance. And what better time for Reed to announce himself to the league than on prime time at Bank of America Stadium?
Time will tell, but Reed will be anxiously awaiting his big moment.
Whether it arrives or not remains to be seen.
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