By admin 
It was a tough Week 1 loss for the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, but one bright spot was a breakout game for wide receiver Jalen Coker.
Read more The Highest and Lowest Graded Commanders Players in Week 1 Loss.
The Panthers and the Chicago Bears combined to put up 96 total points in their game on Sunday, setting a new record for the single highest-scoring Week 1 game in NFL history. Coker, 24, dominated the Bears’ secondary, hauling in 8 of 9 targets for 138 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
#Panthers WR Jalen Coker had a boot on his left foot in the locker room.
“Just rolled my ankle a little bit.”
He says the injury happened in the first quarter and this boot is precautionary.
He doesn’t expect to miss time.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) September 14, 2026
But on Monday, Coker was spotted in a walking boot in the Panthers’ dressing room while speaking to reporters.
“I mean, it’s just a rolled ankle; I’ll be fine,” Coker said. Coker confirmed that he expects to be practicing on Wednesday as the Panthers prepare to head to Atlanta to take on the Falcons in an NFC South divisional matchup.
Jalen Coker says he rolled his ankle in the first quarter of yesterday’s game but expects to practice on Wednesday. #Pantherspic.twitter.com/TdOpSA54LS
Read more Report: Clippers-Raptors trade complete after Kawhi Leonard investigation delay
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) September 14, 2026
It was a career day for Coker, who caught more passes than the rest of the Carolina wide receivers combined. The third-year wide receiver had a 26.5 percent target share and lined up on 84 percent of the Panthers’ offensive snaps.
Coker revealed that he had rolled his ankle in the first quarter, but continued to play through the injury. There was another play late in the fourth quarter where Coker took a low hit from a Bears defender and hobbled off the field. Despite being shaken up on both plays, Coker remained in the game after and does not expect to miss any time.
Coker’s career day 🔥
Read more: https://t.co/YOppBNbO6Tpic.twitter.com/9PTg6UYrxV
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 14, 2026
The former undrafted rookie has now outperformed Carolina’s 2025 first-round draft pick, Tetairoa McMillan, in six of the last seven games they have played together. On Sunday, McMillan had 5 catches on 8 targets with 75 receiving yards and a lost fumble. While both receivers are thriving in the Carolina offense, Coker is establishing a very strong connection with quarterback Bryce Young.
If Coker’s Week 1 performance is any indication of what is to come, the Panthers are getting great value from the extension he signed in June. Carolina inked Coker to a three-year, $35 million contract extension before the season started that will keep him in the silver and teal through the 2029 season.
Read more Taj Gibson retires; reportedly will join Bulls’ coaching staff
ALSO SEE:
- Poll: Who Wins Broncos-Chiefs on Monday Night?
- When Will Travis Kelce and Andy Reid Retire? The Coach Has Some Thoughts
- Josh Allen Makes a Week 1 Statement in Bills’ 36-31 Win Over Texans
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published September 14, 2026 at 1:17 PM.