Panthers Lose LB Nic Scourton for Season After Suffering Torn ACL at Training Camp.

The Carolina Panthers have suffered a major setback just one day into training camp, as second-year linebacker Nic Scourton has been placed on injured reserve after sustaining a torn ACL in his right knee during Thursday's practice. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Cameron Wolfe, Scourton suffered the season-ending injury during team drills on a wet practice field. The injury occurred while he was engaged with an offensive lineman, causing practice to come to a halt as teammates immediately surrounded him on the field. Scourton was eventually helped onto a cart, but before he left for the training room, head coach Dave Canales and every player on the Panthers roster took time to personally encourage the young linebacker, highlighting the close bond within the team. "They care about each other," Canales said after practice. "Whenever you're in a group of people doing something hard together, it creates a special bond. Between the workouts, the season, and everything they've been through together, it means something to these guys. I'm proud of that." The injury is a significant loss for Carolina's defense. The Panthers entered the season expecting Scourton to play a major role opposite newly acquired edge rusher Jaelan Phillips after an impressive rookie campaign in 2025. Scourton appeared in all 17 games last season, making eight starts while recording 47 total tackles, five sacks, and nine quarterback hits. His production and steady development made him one of the team's emerging defensive leaders heading into his second NFL season.

Quarterback Bryce Young said he did not witness the injury but spoke about the impact Scourton has had on the team. "He's been great to watch grow into his role," Young said. "He plays with an incredibly high motor and brings great energy every day. He's fun to be around, but once he steps on the field, he becomes a different competitor. He raises the intensity at practice, and we're all just praying for him." Despite losing one of their projected starting pass rushers, Canales expressed confidence in Carolina's depth along the defensive front. "We've got depth," Canales said. "That's why we continue bringing in players. If it comes to that, we have guys we trust to step up." Scourton's absence leaves a sizable void in the Panthers' pass rush as the team prepares for the 2026 season, forcing Carolina to rely on its depth much earlier than anticipated.