Panthers reportedly signing rookie WR Jalen Coker to practice squad

It looks as though the Carolina Panthers won’t be losing an early fan favorite after all.

According to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer, rookie wideout Jalen Coker has cleared waivers and plans to sign with the Panthers’ practice squad. The 22-year-old was one of six players waived by the team on Wednesday.

Coker, a standout from the College of Holy Cross, first joined the Panthers as an undrafted free agent this spring. The talented 6-foot-3, 213-pound receiver, who was projected by many to be a Day 3 selection in the 2024 NFL draft, would quickly catch on as a cult favorite amongst the Carolina faithful.

He would also catch the eye of head coach Dave Canales, who provided an impressively lengthy evaluation of Coker during rookie minicamp.

“Size, instincts, top-of-route ability to separate,” Canales said of Coker back in May. “He’s really crafty in zones. He knows how to find the open spaces. Has a little cool run-after-catch, too. He can break some tackles because of the size that he brings. Attacks the ball at the high point. I mean, the guy really does have a cool skill set that he brings to us.”

As of Thursday morning, the Panthers officially announced the signings of 13 players to their practice squad.