The Carolina Panthers' defense sustained a significant blow on the opening day of training camp when second-year outside linebacker Nic Scourton reportedly tore his ACL. The injury occurred during team drills on Thursday, casting a shadow over the team's preparations for the upcoming season.
Scourton, 21, was a second-round draft pick in 2025 and had emerged as a key contributor during his rookie season. In 17 games last year, he started eight, recording 47 tackles, 5.0 sacks, and seven tackles for loss. The Panthers had envisioned Scourton forming a formidable pass-rushing duo with recently signed edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, who received a four-year, $120 million contract in the offseason.
General Manager Dan Morgan expressed his dismay, stating, "I'm just sick about it." Scourton is expected to be placed on injured reserve and is reportedly seeking a second opinion on the injury.
The injury happened on a wet field late in practice. Players immediately surrounded Scourton, and as he was escorted to a waiting cart, head coach Dave Canales and every player on the roster came to offer support and hugs before he was taken to the training room. "They care about each other," Canales said. "Whenever you’re in a group of people doing something hard together, it has a way of creating a special bond."
Scourton's injury adds to a growing list of concerns for the Panthers. Right tackle Taylor Moton is sidelined due to a discovered blood clot in his lungs. Left tackle Ickey Ekwonu is still recovering from a torn patellar tendon sustained last season. Additionally, two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn did not practice on Thursday due to a foot laceration, and defensive tackles Tershawn Wharton (neck) and Bobby Brown (hamstring) were also absent from drills.