Things haven’t exactly gone according to plan since the Carolina Panthers traded Adam Thielen. After letting their 35-year-old wide receiver return to Minnesota, things have quickly gone south.
Jalen Coker heading to the injured list is far from ideal heading into the regular season. Bryce Young is left without two key targets as one NFL Insider touched on Coker’s injury being worse than expected.
The Athletic’s Joe Person Dives Into Jalen Coker’s Injury
Hunter Renfrow’s NFL career is far from over. The 29-year-old will look to record his first reception since 2023. As part of the team’s practice squad, there’s a high chance he will be activated heading into Week 1 in Jacksonville.
At this point, the Panthers were scrambling to figure out Coker’s replacement. No one is going to be as intriguing as the 23-year-old, though Young still has rookie Tetairoa McMillan to rely on. With Xavier Legette also lined up at wideout, this team’s season is far from over.
Reporter believes Panthers should be concerned over WR Jalen Coker’s injury history https://t.co/49yHIREzzd pic.twitter.com/Op2b8tKR5C
— ThePanthersWire (@ThePanthersWire) August 31, 2025
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That said, Person is far from optimistic, “If they aren’t [concerned], they should be. 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,” Person added.
Whether Coker followed the detailed program or not, injuries are still part of the game. Having played in only 11 games last season, Young knows he’s going to need as many weapons on the field as possible. If Carolina wants to even be in consideration to win their division, they’ll need to be healthy at all times.
The State of the Carolina Panthers Offense
It’s no secret that Young earned his place as QB1 last season. He may not have been a fan of riding the bench for a few weeks, but that decision single-handedly saved his career. Now, the Alabama graduate has a new toy to play with.
Bryce Young’s last three games of 2025 🔥
—10 Total TDs
—0 INTs
—612 passing yards pic.twitter.com/WZZABjK3Kx— NFL (@NFL) July 25, 2025
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Young remains just 24-years-old as his top offensive weapons all sit below 26. That oldest of the bunch is RB Chuba Hubbard. Last year, Hubbard put up career numbers in carries (250), yards (1,195), and touchdowns (10) despite only playing in 15 games. Again, health is the number one question mark and priority.
One of the biggest numbers that jumps off the page is Young’s six rushing touchdowns last season. He had none in his 2023 rookie campaign, but managed to score six times while using his legs. If McMillan, Legette, Coker, or even Renfrow are non-factors on the field, Young will have an issue running the ball this season.
Carolina is going to great lengths to protect their QB. Dave Canales has done a lot to surround his QB with the best talent possible, or at least as good as it’s going to get heading into the 2025 season. Renfrow may no longer be a game-changing WR, but he’s a solid option with Coker out the first four weeks.
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