CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In an exciting development for the Carolina Panthers, wide receiver Jalen Coker is set to make his season debut when the team takes on the New York Jets this Sunday at the Meadowlands. Coker, who has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury, was expected to step up as the third starter behind Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette after the veteran Adam Thielen was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in August.
Coach Dave Canales praised Coker’s performance in practice leading up to the game, stating, “He had a great week.” This addition is a significant boost for the Panthers as they aim to secure a third consecutive victory for the first time since the beginning of the 2021 season.
Additionally, running back Chuba Hubbard has been cleared to play after fully participating in Friday’s practice, following his announcement earlier this week that he would return. While the team has determined who will start between Hubbard and Rico Dowdle, Coach Canales has chosen to keep that information under wraps. Dowdle has shown impressive form recently, boasting a record 473 scrimmage yards over a two-game span against the Miami Dolphins and the Dallas Cowboys during Weeks 5 and 6.
Despite the positive updates for Coker and Hubbard, the Panthers may face challenges in their offensive line. Right tackle Taylor Moton, who missed last week’s game due to an elbow injury, participated fully in Friday’s practice but is still listed as questionable. Guard Damien Lewis is in a similar predicament, having missed practice due to a chest/shoulder injury. He will be making the trip to New Jersey but is also questionable for Sunday’s matchup.
As the Panthers (3-3) prepare for the game against a struggling Jets team (0-6), they have a chance to not only continue their winning streak but also to build momentum for the remainder of the season. The return of key players could prove pivotal in their quest for a stronger season.