Jalen Coker's stock had never been higher after the Carolina Panthers traded Adam Thielen to the Minnesota Vikings. This was swiftly followed by yet another crushing setback, which represents a significant blow to the player and the organization.
There was great excitement when the Panthers confirmed the signing of veteran wide receiver Hunter Renfrow to the active roster. Some sections of Carolina's fan base believe he should have made it outright, but his inclusion comes at the expense of Coker's availability.
The Panthers placed Coker on injured reserve with a strained quad. Joe Person from The Athletic revealed that the Holy Cross product sustained the problem during Thursday's practice, which was the day after Thielen went back to Minnesota.
Carolina Panthers forced to pivot after latest Jalen Coker injury setback
Talk about bad timing.
Person, who confirmed that Coker is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks, sounded the alarm around the promising pass-catcher's durability. This isn't the first time he's missed games with this issue, and head coach Dave Canales was reportedly unhappy with the player's conditioning level earlier this offseason.
"If they aren’t [concerned], they should be. [Jalen] Coker’s strained quad is the same one that sidelined him for three games late last season, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Panthers coach Dave Canales wasn’t thrilled with Coker’s conditioning level and body composition this offseason, prompting the team to put together a detailed program Coker followed during the summer in Charlotte. Coker and the team have to figure out a way to keep him on the field."Joe Person
The bubble around Coker has burst. Carolina likes what the player brings to the table, but the best ability is availability in the NFL. Until the undrafted free agent can prove reliable on the health front, it will always be a stuttering contribution.
It's next man up. Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette must deliver without Thielen and Coker. David Moore and Brycen Tremayne could be tasked with additional responsibilities. Renfrow is an accomplished veteran, but Canales wants more consistency from the Pro Bowler before confidence increases.
Coker must show the correct resolve to get back and stay in shape. The Panthers were counting on him to be the team's slot option after removing Thielen from the equation. If his soft tissue complications keep popping up, there will come a time when general manager Dan Morgan might be forced to seek alternatives.
The Panthers have to roll with the punches. But this represents a massive blow at the worst possible time.