The Carolina Panthers opened their preseason with a notable performance from wide receiver Jalen Coker, who caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Bryce Young during the team’s second drive on Friday night in Charlotte.
Young described the play, saying, “We talk about just starting the second play after the 2.7 (second mark), and then a couple guys same spot; Jalen did a great job of feeling that. (I’m) always trying to give direction, make sure we’re on the same page, work scramble drill, and Jalen did a great job of navigating it and also keeping his feet in bounds. So yeah, it was a great play.”
Coker entered the game with the first team offense after Xavier Legette and Browns safety Rayshawn Jenkins were ejected for fighting earlier in the drive. He scored seven plays later by finding space at the back of the end zone for a 5-yard touchdown catch.
Head coach Dave Canales praised Coker’s readiness: “Jalen Coker comes in when Xavier goes out and did a fantastic job, like we didn’t skip a beat, made some great plays.”
Last season, Coker joined Carolina as an undrafted rookie free agent and earned promotion to the active roster by Week 4 following an injury to Adam Thielen. His role increased as he contributed to an improving offense over time.
With new additions Hunter Renfrow through free agency and Tetairoa McMillan via this year’s draft pick at No. 8 overall, competition has intensified among Panthers receivers. Coker acknowledged these changes: “All it is is just making the team better,” said Coker of the additions. “So, I mean, all I can do is step my game up, and that’s all everyone else expects from me, too.”
During offseason preparations before training camp began, Canales worked closely with vice president of player health and performance Denny Kellington and director of performance Josh Hingst to create an individualized plan for Coker’s development.
“It was a collective effort. It was a collective effort to help Jalen take the next step in his career, you know, coming off a rookie season and having a plan for your off-season,” explained Canales. “It was really a collective group to all sit down, put our heads together and say, OK, we have a plan for you from now until training camp, and I promise you if you stick to this plan you’ll see good results.”
Coker followed through on this program by remaining in Charlotte throughout most of his break period.
“It was just a lot of communication with the strength staff, having a just calendar of what I’m going to do every day make sure that it’s evened out with tough days and then lighter days even the load,” shared Coker.
“But they’ve really taken care of me and I don’t think I would be you know where I am right now without their help and everything that the organization has done for me.”
A key part of his offseason focus involved reducing weight while addressing soft tissue injuries that had limited him previously.
“I think we figured it out. We got some guys apart of the team that have been helping me and it was long process but I think we’ve got it nailed down,” said Coker. “I feel great so I mean I think it was definitely worth it and I’m glad that I did it.”
In Friday’s game—the first preseason contest—Coker recorded two receptions for 17 yards including one touchdown. He also made another significant catch called back due to penalty after backup quarterback Andy Dalton entered play.
“He’s been on a mission, and it shows up,” said Young. “It showed up today. It’s showing up during camp showed up during OTAs that’s just kind of player kind worker he is so it’s great see come fruition today.”
Beyond offense contributions last year—when he played only 31 special teams snaps—Coker has expanded his responsibilities into special teams roles this preseason as well.
“I can’t wait to watch special teams reel because he was on couple teams available most night help out way too so I’m really proud him,” said Canales.
Coker recognizes adding value beyond receiving will be important amid deep roster competition: “I think I was lucky last year kind step into role wide receiver three four So this year mean it’s packed room so I’m going need bring more than just catching football,” admitted Coker who played special teams college “We’ve got lot guys can play So if needs be punt or kick off or return you know there for that”
Two preseason games remain before regular season begins; coaches continue evaluating crowded position group as players compete for roster spots
“I’m proud his response,” said Canales “When see guy smiling know he’s confident knows what doing feels great So I’m really happy Jalen came showed tonight”
