NFL Player News

Coker (illness) wasn't targeted in Thursday's preseason loss to Pittsburgh.

Panthers coach Dave Canales implied that Coker might've been rested Thursday if he hadn't missed the previous preseason game with an illness. The second-year pro played the first couple of drives with Carolina's second-string offense, which is the unit he saw the most work with this summer. There was talk of Coker pushing Xavier Legette for playing time, however, and now Adam Thielen trade rumors offer another potential path to a significant role. For the time being, Coker projects as Carolina's No. 4 wide receiver for a Week 1 matchup with Jacksonville.

Renfrow caught two of three targets for five yards in Thursday's preseason loss to Pittsburgh.

The Panthers rested most of their starters and some key backups, allowing Renfrow, Jalen Coker and David Moore to take most of the WR snaps early on. Renfrow didn't show much Thursday night, but recent trade rumors regarding Adam Thielen perhaps offer Renfrow a path to some kind of role with Carolina early in the season. There's also a chance the 29-year-old slot specialist has to settle for a spot on the practice squad or is let go entirely before Week 1.

Baker finished without a catch on two targets in Thursday's 42-10 preseason loss to the Giants.

He was quiet during the preseason and didn't seem to make much noise at training camp, which puts Baker on the roster bubble one year after being a fourth-round pick. Injuries to other wide receivers help his case, but even that might not be enough to keep Baker around on the Week 1 roster.

Hyatt caught three of six targets for 36 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 42-10 preseason win over the Patriots.

Hyatt had a solid stat line but also let two downfield passes slip through his hands, perhaps showing why he's struggled to earn regular-season snaps and targets since the Giants made him a third-round pick in 2023. There have even been whispers about the roster bubble this summer, and Hyatt will likely just be fourth or fifth on the depth chart even if it turns out his job is safe.

Johnson (foot) is questionable to return to Thursday's preseason finale against the Panthers, Burt Lauten of the Pittsburgh Steelers Communications reports.

Johnson suffered a foot injury in the first half against Carolina, placing some doubt on his ability to return. The wide receiver failed to record any stats before departing the game.

Austin (abdomen) isn't suited up ahead of Thursday's preseason game at Carolina, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Austin thus won't play during exhibition season due to an abdominal injury that has lingered since at least Aug. 3. The Steelers tinkered with the top of their receiving corps this offseason by swapping out George Pickens (Dallas) for DK Metcalf (Seattle), but Austin otherwise doesn't have much competition for WR reps behind Metcalf. The 2022 fourth-round pick put together a 36-548-4 line on 58 targets in 17 regular-season games last year.

Coach Dave Canales said Coker (illness) is slated to play in Thursday's preseason contest against the Steelers for "conditioning" purposes, Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Coker sat out this past Saturday's exhibition versus the Texans due to an illness, so getting some reps Thursday appears to be on the docket for the 2024 undrafted rookie. Last season, he impressed with 32 catches (on 46 targets) for 478 yards and two touchdowns in 11 regular-season games. With Tetairoa McMillan (hamstring), Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen and Brycen Tremayne all out Thursday, Coker will be in the mix for WR reps along with Hunter Renfrow, David Moore and Jimmy Horn.

Legette isn't slated to suit up for Thursday's preseason game versus the Steelers, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Legette started both of Carolina's first two exhibitions, combining for 17 offensive snaps and no targets in those appearances. The 2024 first-round pick is coming off a rookie campaign in which he compiled a 49-497-4 line on 84 targets across 16 regular-season games. Legette will be joined on the sidelines by fellow WRs Tetairoa McMillan (hamstring), Adam Thielen and Brycen Tremayne, leaving the likes of Jalen Coker (illness), Hunter Renfrow, David Moore and Jimmy Horn as the potential options at the position Thursday. Legette's next chance for game action will come Week 1 at Jacksonville on Sunday, Sept. 7.

Polk plans to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.

Polk underwent a shoulder procedure earlier in the offseason as well, but it's unclear if his current issue is setback-related or a new injury. Confirmation from the Patriots has yet to happen, but at this stage it looks like the second-year wideout likely is headed to IR. Prior to Thursday's news, Polk was in contention for a depth role in New England's crowded wideout corps.

Wilson (knee/ankle) will undergo season-ending surgery, Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Wilson had been enjoying a strong training camp and preseason that had him on pace to easily make the 53-man roster and possibly even challenge for playing time in three-receiver sets. Instead, the 2024 sixth-round pick will miss the entire 2025 campaign after suffering a serious injury to his knee and ankle Tuesday. Jahan Dotson and John Metchie are the top candidates for playing time behind A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (groin).