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The Carolina Panthers defense suffered a crushing blow on the first day of training camp.
Sophomore outside linebacker Nic Scourton tore his ACL during team drills Thursday, according to multiple reports. The 21-year-old had a strong rookie season and was expected to be a key contributor on defense.
“I’m just tired of it,” Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said Thursday night.
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Carolina Panthers linebacker Nic Scourton goes to the NFL team’s training camp on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Charlotte, NC (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)
In 17 games last season, the 2025 second-round pick started eight. He recorded 47 tackles, 5.0 sacks and seven tackles for loss.
The Panthers signed star edge rusher Jaelan Phillips in the offseason to a four-year, $120 million contract, with the hopes of pairing him with Scourton to form a strong pass-rushing duo.
Scourton will reportedly be placed on injured reserve and will seek a second opinion on the injury.
The former Texas A&M star went down on a wet field late in practice during team drills. Players immediately gathered around him on one knee.
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Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Nic Scourton reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Nov. 16, 2025. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)
Scourton held his hand over his face as he was ushered into a waiting carriage.
As he left the field, the cart stopped and head coach Dave Canales and each player on duty individually went over to hug Scourton before he was taken to the training room.
“They care about each other,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said. “When you’re in a group of people doing something hard together, it has a way of creating a special bond. Between all the practices and going through a full season and an offseason and all that, it means something to the guys. I’m proud of that.”
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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen tackles Carolina Panthers linebacker Nic Scourton during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC on October 26, 2025. (Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images)
It may be early in training camp, but the Panthers have already been hit hard by injuries to key players.
Panthers right tackle Taylor Moton is out after a blood clot was discovered in his lungs. With left tackle Ickey Ekwonu still recovering from a torn patellar tendon in his knee suffered in last season’s wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Panthers will begin the season with both starting tackles on the sidelines.
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Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn is dealing with a foot ulcer and did not practice Thursday. Defensive tackles Tershawn Wharton (neck) and Bobby Brown (hamstring) were also out.
