Panthers reshuffle receiver depth as Coker ruled IR with quad injury
The Carolina Panthers are reshaping their receiver group after Jalen Coker sustained a quad injury in 1-on-1 drills and will miss four to six weeks. The team plans to place the second-year wideout on injured reserve and replace him on the active roster with Hunter Renfrow, who was re-signed after his earlier release.
The move comes on the heels of Adam Thielen being traded to the Minnesota Vikings earlier in the week, a development that left Carolina searching for a primary slot option and additional playmaking at receiver. The plan, as described by the club, had Coker projected to step into Thielen’s role as the offense’s slot receiver, a role that now falls to Renfrow and the rest of the depth chart.
College and pro background for context
Coker arrived in Carolina as an undrafted free agent from Holy Cross and made an impression with 32 receptions for 478 yards and 2 touchdowns in his first NFL season. There were growing expectations that he could emerge as the Panthers’ No. 2 receiver this season, especially with a clear path to the slot.
The rookie booted into a bigger spotlight alongside a veteran-heavy group that also features Tetairoa McMillan, the Panthers’ No. 8 overall pick from Arizona. McMillan has shown upside but arrived to camp dealing with a hamstring issue and recorded only two receptions on seven targets for 43 yards in the preseason. He’s expected to be ready for Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Other veterans and depth pieces
Xavier Legette, who led the team with 49 catches for 497 yards and 4 touchdowns last season, returns to bolster the group, as does David Moore, who had 32 receptions for 351 yards and three scores.
Renfrow’s return and what he brings
Renfrow, a Clemson product who spent his first five NFL seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, is known for reliable hands and route savvy. In Las Vegas, he recorded 269 catches for 2,884 yards and 17 touchdowns in 73 games (23 starts). He sat out the 2024 season due to ulcerative colitis, a battle that saw him lose significant weight and endure frequent fevers. He’s described the experience openly, emphasizing how tough it was to play under those conditions but expressing determination to rebound.
The contract details point to a measured bet by Carolina: Renfrow signed a one-year deal with $2 million guaranteed, with incentives that could lift the total to as much as $3 million.
What this means for Week 1 and beyond
– Renfrow’s veteran presence and crisp route-running could help stabilize the slot and provide a trusted option for quarterback Bryce Young in what figures to be a challenging opener against the Jaguars.
– McMillan’s development remains crucial. If he’s closer to 100% for Week 1, Carolina could lean on his upside as a complementary playmaker behind Renfrow and Legette.
– The Panthers will likely lean on Legette and Moore for immediate depth, with Renfrow’s health and consistency helping to offset the loss of Thielen.
To watch
– How quickly Renfrow adapts to Carolina’s offense and how much role he earns in early games.
– McMillan’s progression from the hamstring setback and how much Week 1 involvement is feasible.
– The performance of Legette and Moore as veteran presences, and whether they can sustain or increase efficiency.
Overall, Carolina is betting on Renfrow’s experience and McMillan’s ceiling to offset the setback from Coker’s injury and Thielen’s departure, while hoping the rest of the receiving corps can step up to provide a balanced, multi-target attack.
Summary
Carolina’s receiver room is undergoing a shakeup as Jalen Coker goes on IR with a quad injury and Hunter Renfrow returns to the roster. The team must integrate Renfrow quickly and lean on McMillan’s potential while leveraging Legette and Moore for steady production as Week 1 approaches.
Additional note
The Panthers appear to be prioritizing slot reliability and veteran savvy to bridge the gap left by Thielen and to support Young as he grows into a fuller NFL role. If Renfrow can regain form and Legette and Moore sustain production, Carolina could maintain a productive aerial attack even amid early-season personnel changes.