Who Should I Start? Noah Brown or Jalen Coker

Thursday, June 12, 6:53 PM

After being carted from mandatory minicamp practice on Wednesday with an undisclosed injury, Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (undisclosed) is undergoing an MRI exam on Thursday, according to head coach Dan Quinn. The good news is that Brown was able to walk off the field before being carted to the locker room, but it's unclear what exactly his injury is or how much time he might miss. We should have answers soon. The bad news is that the 29-year-old's injury was of the non-contact variety, which typically is bad news for a football player. If it's a significant injury, Luke McCaffrey, K.J. Osborn, Jaylin Lane and Michael Gallup (hamstring) would have additional opportunities in the competition for the No. 3 role in D.C. behind Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. Even at full health, Brown isn't really an option for fantasy managers in 12-team leagues.

Tuesday, June 17, 2:43 PM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker enjoyed a relatively productive rookie campaign in 2024, securing 32 of his 46 targets for 478 yards and two touchdowns. That's a solid season of productivity for an undrafted rookie out of Holy Cross, and he could be a contributor in 2025. However, Joe Person of The Athletic did not include Coker as a roster lock at wideout. He listed Adam Thielen, Tetairoa McMillan, and Xavier Legette as safely making the 53-man roster and mentioned rookie Jimmy Horn is likely to make the team thanks to his skills as a returner. The team only carried five wide receivers last season to begin the year, so that leaves Coker, Hunter Renfrow, Dan Chisena, David Moore, and Jacolby George potentially fighting for the last spot. "Special teams is going to be such a huge piece of that puzzle. How can these guys help us in the coverage units? Can they help us as a returner?" Head coach Dave Canales said. "That's the part where we get to challenge our guys to find a role, take this thing seriously. 'You're not here just to catch passes. We only get so many helmets on game day, so we need all of you guys to contribute in different ways." Coker is likely the "favorite" to win a roster spot, but this situation should be monitored. Should Coker not make the team, there should be plenty of interest in his services.