Panthers defense takes major hit as star pass rusher suffers major injury on first day of camp: reports

The Carolina Panthers defense suffered a crushing blow on the first day of training camp.

Second-year outside linebacker Nic Scourton tore his ACL during team drills on Thursday, according to multiple reports. The 21-year-old had a strong rookie season and was expected to be a key contributor to the defense.

“I’m just sick about it,” Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said Thursday night.

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 edge rusher Jaelan Phillips in the offseason to a four-year, $120 million contract, with the hopes of pairing him alongside 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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Scourton held his hand over his face as he was led into a waiting cart.

As he was leaving the field, the cart stopped and head coach Dave Canales and every 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. “Whenever you’re in a group of people doing something hard together, it has a way of creating a special bond. Between all the workouts 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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It may be early in training camp, but the Panthers already have 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 sideline.

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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) were also out.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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