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The Carolina Panthers defense took a major blow on the first day of training camp.
Second-year outside linebacker Nic Scourton tore his ACL during team drills Thursday, according to multiple reports. The 21-year-old had a solid rookie season and should 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 heads to the team’s NFL training camp Thursday, July 23, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (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 rusher Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million contract during the offseason, hoping to pair him alongside Scourton to form a solid pass-catching duo.
Scourton would be placed on injured reserve and seek a second opinion on the injury.
The former Texas A&M star fell on a wet field late in practice during team drills. The players immediately gathered around him, on their knees.
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Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Nic Scourton reacts after a fourth quarter play against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 16, 2025. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)
Scourton held his hand in front of his face as he was led to a waiting cart.
As he left the field, the cart stopped and head coach Dave Canales and each player on the roster individually walked over 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 hard together, it creates 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 it.”
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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen confronts Carolina Panthers linebacker Nic Scourton during the first half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina 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 he suffered in last season’s playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Panthers will begin the season with both starting tackles sidelined.
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Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn is dealing with a laceration in his foot and did not practice Thursday. Defensive tackles Tershawn Wharton (neck) and Bobby Brown (hamstring) were also out.
