The summer shelf got a little lighter for the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday.
As announced this afternoon, wide receiver Jalen Coker and cornerback Chau Smith-Wade have been cleared from the active/physically unable to perform list. Both rookies, along with four others, were placed on the list by the Panthers this past weekend.
Given Carolina’s lack of depth at the cornerback position, Smith-Wade could have an opportunity to make an immediate impact. Head coach Dave Canales spoke about his team’s fifth-round pick during organized team activities in May.
“He’s a worker,” Canales said. “The guys that we drafted, these guys are hard workers and tough football players. And that’s what we tried to do—is profile those type of guys that fit what we’re doing. He fits right in with the group.
“He’s active, he’s always workin’ on stuff, JUGS after practice and I just love his focus. He’s got a great smile, but then you see, like, he’s just locked in. And he’s really interested in what’s happening everywhere.”
Players who remain on the active/PUP list include wideout Cam Sims, offensive tackle Yosh Nijman and outside linebackers D.J. Wonnum and Amaré Barno. Fellow rookie and second-round running back Jonathon Brooks also has yet to be cleared from the active/non-football injury list.