Panthers WR Sent for Doping Test After Week 13 Win Over Rams

Charlotte, NC
The Carolina Panthers pulled off a thrilling 31 to 28 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season. But while fans were still celebrating the comeback, headlines shifted away from the scoreboard to a surprising postgame twist. One of the Panthers wide receivers was randomly selected for a doping test by the NFL.

Sources from inside Bank of America Stadium revealed that the player was approached by league officials within minutes of the final whistle, while he was still smiling and embracing teammates. He was quietly escorted out of the celebration and sent directly for testing.

Although the league framed it as a "random check", many in the locker room saw it differently. After all, it is not every day that a previously overlooked wideout explodes with a career game, stealing the spotlight from the team's franchise quarterback.

Speaking of which, QB Bryce Young had a spectacular performance of his own, completing 15 of 20 passes for 206 yards, 3 touchdowns, and a career high passer rating of 147.1. He also led his 11th game winning drive, breaking an NFL record.

Still, the player that turned the most heads was not Young, nor was it RB Chuba Hubbard (grade 82.2) or CB Mike Jackson, who had a pick six. No, all eyes were on someone else.

A young wide receiver who caught 4 passes for 74 yards and 1 touchdown, earning a PFF grade of 86.5, the highest on the team and the best of his two year career. That performance alone seemed to trigger the league’s suspicion.

And yes, that player is Jalen Coker.

Jalen Coker, the underdog turned spotlight target

Coker was not on many radars. But in this game, he repeatedly beat Rams defenders, broke through zones, and hauled in a highlight touchdown in the third quarter that shifted momentum.

Moments after the game, while the team celebrated in the tunnel, he was pulled aside for a performance enhancing substance check.

Head Coach Dave Canales comes to his defense

"I find it ridiculous. The guy works his tail off for two straight years and the moment he shines, they pull him for a doping test. If that is how the NFL views growth, then that is just sad."

Coach Canales made it clear. Coker is one of the hardest workers in the building. He is not flashy. He does everything right when no one is watching. And finally, when his time came, he delivered.