A cult favorite may be getting his chance.
Multiple reports from Tuesday afternoon revealed that the Carolina Panthers are placing wideout Adam Thielen on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. The setback—which was sustained on a 31-yard touchdown catch in Sunday’s 36-22 win over the Las Vegas Raiders—is considered a “fairly significant” one, and could keep the 34-year-old veteran out for quite a few weeks.
So, who will take Thielen’s spot on the 53-man roster?
According to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer, it’ll be rookie receiver Jalen Coker. The 22-year-old, per Kaye, is expected to be promoted from the practice squad as a subsequent move to Thielen’s shelving.
Coker, a standout from the College of Holy Cross, was signed as an undrafted free agent by Carolina in the spring. He’d go on to be the leading pass catcher for the Panthers during the preseason—recording five grabs for 71 yards and a touchdown.
The team waived Coker during the cutdown to their initial 53-man roster at the end of August. He would, however, return as a member of the practice squad the following day.
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