NFL3 hours ago1 minute read

Panthers Monitor Leading Receiver Jalen Coker Ahead of Lions Matchup

The Carolina Panthers are monitoring Jalen Coker's quad injury ahead of their game against the Detroit Lions, with several other players already ruled out.

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Coker Questionable for Sunday Night

The Carolina Panthers are waiting to see if leading wide receiver Jalen Coker can play in their Week 4 game against the Detroit Lions. Coker is dealing with a quadriceps injury that kept him out of the entire second half of last week's loss to the Cleveland Browns. He is officially listed as questionable.

Coker has been a major part of the offense this season. He has 18 catches for 222 yards and two touchdowns through three games.

If Coker cannot play, coach Dave Canales said practice squad receiver Ja'seem Reed will make his NFL debut. Reed spent all of last season on the practice squad and caught seven passes for 84 yards and two touchdowns during three preseason games this year.

Multiple Starters Ruled Out

The Panthers are already dealing with other major absences on offense. Receiver Xavier Legette will miss his second straight game with a knee injury. Brycen Tremayne and John Metchie III will step up to fill his spot. Tetairoa McMillan, the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, may need to lead the remaining playmakers.

On the offensive line, starting left guard Damien Lewis is out with an elbow injury. Recent waiver wire pickup Corey Bullock will start in his place.

Starting right tackle Monroe Freeling is in the final stage of the concussion protocol. He practiced fully on Friday without his red non contact jersey but still needs clearance from an independent doctor to play. Canales noted that the team will do whatever is in the best interest of Freeling. Additionally, defensive linemen Lee Hunter and Cam Jackson are both questionable.

What it means for the next game

Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers (NFL, Mon, 05 Oct): Carolina Panthers win 36%, Detroit Lions win 64%; projected score Carolina Panthers 24, Detroit Lions 27. Our safest pick: Over 43.5 points.

Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals (NFL, Sun, 11 Oct): Arizona Cardinals win 31%, Detroit Lions win 69%; projected score Arizona Cardinals 23, Detroit Lions 29. Our safest pick: Lions to win.