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The Carolina Panthers defense took a tough hit on the first day of training camp.
Sophomore outside linebacker Nic Scourton tore his ACL during team drills on Thursday, according to multiple reports. The 21-year-old had a solid rookie season and was expected to be a key contributor for the defense.
“I’m sick of this,” Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said Thursday night.
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Carolina Panthers linebacker Nic Scourton walks to the NFL team’s training field on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)
In 17 games last season, the 2025 second-round draft pick started eight. He recorded 47 tackles, 5.0 sacks and seven tackles for loss.
The Panthers signed star running back Jaelan Phillips in the offseason to a four-year, $120 million contract, hoping to pair him with Scourton to form a strong pass-rushing duo.
Scourton will reportedly be placed on injured reserve and seek a second opinion on the injury.
The former Texas A&M star fell on a wet field at the end of practice during team drills. The players immediately knelt around him.
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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/Image Images)
Scourton put his hand to his face as he was led to a waiting car.
As he left the field, the cart stopped and head coach Dave Canales and each player on the roster walked individually to hug Scourton before he was taken to the training room.
“They care about each other,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said. “Anytime you’re in a group of people doing something difficult together, it has a way of creating a special bond. Between all the training 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 battles Carolina Panthers linebacker Nic Scourton during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Oct. 26, 2025. (Jim Dedmon/Image 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 he suffered in last season’s wild-card playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Panthers will begin the season with both starting tackles on the bench.
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Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn is dealing with a foot laceration and did not practice Thursday. Defensive tackles Tershawn Wharton (neck) and Bobby Brown (hamstring) also were out.
