Who Should I Start? Jalen Coker or Emeka Egbuka

Wednesday, October 8, 3:55 PM

Updating a previous report, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps) was a full participant in his return to practice on Wednesday, according to David Newton of ESPN. The Panthers opened Coker's 21-day practice window on Wednesday, and he's eligible to come off Injured Reserve at any time. The 23-year-old is back at practice for the first time since suffering a quad injury on Aug. 28, but it's still unclear if he actually has a shot to be activated to make his 2025 debut this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys. Even if Coker doesn't play in Week 6, he's deserving of a waiver-wire pickup for fantasy managers looking for receiving depth. The Panthers haven't gotten much production from their receivers not named Tetairoa McMillan through five weeks. Coker became much more involved late in his rookie season in 2024 and finished with 32 catches, 478 yards, and two scores in 11 games (four starts).

Sunday, October 5, 8:17 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka caught all seven of his targets for 163 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 5 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The 22-year-old posted the highest reception and yardage totals of his young career, and he also scored his fifth touchdown in as many games. Egbuka has shown that he can handle matchups against opposing defenses' best cornerbacks, and he has established himself as Baker Mayfield's favorite target over players like Chris Godwin and Cade Otton. Egbuka should be deployed as a mid-range WR1 in fantasy football going forward. He has achieved must-start status and remains a fantasy staple regardless of his matchup. Look for him to dominate once again next week against the San Francisco 49ers.