CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina wide receivers Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette did not participate in Thursday’s practice as the Panthers prepared for Sunday’s Week 3 game against the Cleveland Browns.
Coker, who has been dealing with an ankle injury, and Legette, who has a knee issue, were both held out despite practicing on Wednesday.
Coker played through the ankle injury last Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons and caught eight passes for 66 yards in a 34-3 victory. He has recorded 16 receptions for 204 yards and two touchdowns this season after emerging as one of Carolina’s most productive receivers.
Legette, who caught a 55-yard pass against the Falcons, was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice.
Head coach Dave Canales does not hold a Thursday news conference, leaving no immediate update on either player’s availability. Canales is expected to address the situation Friday when Carolina releases its game-day injury designations.
Missing both receivers would leave an already prolific offense—second in the NFL in scoring—without two of its top three pass-catchers.
John Metchie and Brycen Tremayne are next in line at wide receiver, while David Moore could be promoted from the practice squad. Moore has spent several seasons in Canales’ system and is familiar with the offense.
Carolina also added receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette to the practice squad. He could be activated and considered as a punt-return option this week. Smith-Marsette previously spent time with the Panthers in 2023 but was not a major offensive contributor.
