BREAKING: Panthers Activate Jalen Coker, Austin Corbett From IR
In a bold move to bolster their lineup, the Carolina Panthers have activated wide receiver Jalen Coker and offensive lineman Austin Corbett from injured reserve ahead of their Week 7 clash with the New York Jets. These key roster changes, announced by ESPN’s David Newton, signal the Panthers' commitment to strengthening their roster as they look to build on their recent success. With Carolina sitting at .500 after winning three of their last four games, the team is hoping the return of Coker and Corbett will be the difference-maker in their quest for playoff contention.
Jalen Coker's Return Brings Explosive Potential to Panthers’ Offense
Coker, who impressed as an undrafted rookie out of Holy Cross last season, will finally make his return to the field after being sidelined for the first six games of the season due to a quad injury. A standout performer in 2024, Coker tallied 32 receptions for 478 yards and two touchdowns, providing a deep threat for the Panthers’ offense. His absence has been keenly felt, as the team has struggled to find consistent production from the slot position.
The Panthers temporarily signed veteran Hunter Renfrow to fill in for Coker, but his contributions have been modest at best, with just 15 catches and two touchdowns in six games. His average of 5.9 yards per catch has been disappointing, especially considering Coker's ability to stretch the field. If Coker can pick up where he left off last season, he has the potential to give quarterback Bryce Young an explosive weapon, complementing standout rookie Tetairoa McMillan and potentially transforming Carolina’s aerial attack.
Austin Corbett’s Return Strengthens Offensive Line
Meanwhile, Austin Corbett’s activation marks a significant boost to the Panthers' offensive line. The fourth-year lineman was placed on injured reserve after suffering a left MCL sprain in a Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Injuries have plagued Corbett throughout his tenure with Carolina, limiting him to just 11 games since 2023.
Before his injury, Corbett was slated to start at center, but Cade Mays has stepped up in his absence and performed admirably. Pro Football Focus currently ranks Mays as the eighth-best center in the league, and his play has been instrumental in Carolina’s recent success in the running game, particularly in the back-to-back 200-yard rushing performances the Panthers have put together. Corbett, an experienced guard, could be a candidate to replace left guard Damien Lewis, who is dealing with a shoulder injury. This could allow Mays to continue anchoring the line at center, with Corbett providing stability on the interior if Lewis is unable to go.
Defensive Shakeup with Boogie Basham’s Elevation
In another move, the Panthers have elevated outside linebacker Boogie Basham from their practice squad ahead of the game against the Jets. Basham, who was originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills and later played for the New York Giants, will be looking to make a significant impact after a quiet start to his Panthers career. He made his debut in Week 4, logging 17 snaps and contributing two tackles in the loss to the Patriots. Basham’s elevation comes after the news that starting outside linebacker Patrick Jones will require season-ending back surgery, leaving a significant hole in Carolina’s defense.
The Panthers have been forced to adapt with injuries, but these latest moves show a clear focus on ensuring they have enough depth to compete through the season's second half. Basham will have an opportunity to showcase his skills, and with the Jets coming to town, the Panthers will need all the help they can get.
A Crucial Game Ahead for the Panthers
As the Panthers prepare for their upcoming matchup with the Jets, these roster moves demonstrate their commitment to building a complete team. With a 3-3 record and a challenging schedule ahead, every move matters. The activation of Coker and Corbett gives the Panthers both offensive and defensive reinforcement, and with the elevation of Basham, the team is poised to make the necessary adjustments to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Jets, a team with a formidable defense, will test Carolina’s revamped lineup, but with Coker and Corbett back in the fold, the Panthers are hoping to give their fans something to cheer for as they continue to fight for relevancy in the NFC.
Chiefs Decision on Josh Simmons Fate Expected Before Raiders Game
The mysterious absence of first-round draft pick Josh Simmons from the Kansas City Chiefs will apparently continue into a second week, after the rookie offensive lineman was ruled out of Sunday’s home game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
While the Chiefs have given no indication of a timeline for Simmons’ return after leaving the team on what coach Andy Reid called a “personal” situation, the team will need to make a decision on how to handle the 22-year-old’s absence in a formal capacity, likely before kickoff in the Raiders game.
That decision would give the first tangible clue as to how long the Chiefs believe Simmons will need to resolve whatever issue led to his leaving the team.
Veach Must Make NFI Decision on Simmons
Public details of what exactly Simmons is dealing with have been essentially non-existent. If Reid and the Chiefs players know the reasons for behind the rookie’s departure prior to last Sunday night’s matchup against the Detroit Lions, they are not saying.
The team’s desire to maintain Simmons’ privacy is certainly understandable, but the Chiefs also have a football team to operate, and as long as Simmons is gone the Chiefs are playing shorthanded, unable to fill his roster spot.
That means general manager Brett Veach — who Reid said was handling the Simmons situation — must decide whether to add his player to the NFL’s Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, a move that would render Simmons ineligible to return for four games from the time his name is added to the list.
“If it will be an extended absence for Simmons, Veach could consider placing him on the league’s NFI list,” wrote Kansas City Star Chiefs correspondent Pete Sweeney on Friday. “The move would open up a roster spot, which Kansas City could use to elevate tackle Chukwuebuka Godrick from the practice squad — or sign a free agent.”
Move Will Indicate Duration of Simmons’ Absence
“Look for the Chiefs to send their first real message on the Josh Simmons situation this afternoon,” wrote Outkick reporter Bobby Burack on Saturday morning. “If the team believes he will out a while, today would be the day to put him on NFI. If they don’t put him on NFI, it’d suggest they think he could return shortly.”
As of 8 p.m. Central Time, however, the Chiefs had not announced any formal move to add Simmons to the NFI list. Nor had they said anything about a decision to keep him off the list.
Because they have already ruled Simmons out for Sunday, adding him to the list prior to the game would allow the team to face the Raiders with a full 53-man roster.
But it would also mean that they would definitely be without Simmons’ services against the Washington Commanders, Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos as well, the Chiefs’ upcoming three opponents.
Jaylon Moore Pressed Into Service
If they do not add him to the NFI list, that could be an indication that they expect Simmons to resolve his “personal” situation soon, and are willing to do without him for this week in expectation that he will be back potentially prior to the October 27 Monday Night Football game against Washington.
In the offseason, the Chiefs signed fifth-year veteran lineman Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million free agenct contract, but Simmons quickly surpassed Moore and earned the majority of playing time at the left tackle position.
But Moore was pressed into service against the Lions, and presumably will get the start Sunday against Las Vegas as well.
