Carolina Panthers second-year outside linebacker Nic Scourton was carted off the field after suffering a right knee injury during the team's opening training camp practice on Thursday in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Scourton, who tied for the team lead with 5.0 sacks as a rookie in 2025, was unable to put weight on his leg and was visibly emotional as teammates gathered around him.
Practice was halted prematurely as players dropped to one knee before head coach Dave Canales ended the session 20 minutes early.
Canales confirmed after practice that Scourton would undergo an MRI to evaluate the extent of the damage to his right knee.
"I'm hoping for the best," said Canales. "So, we'll just get the full imaging before we make any announcements that way."
Depth at Edge Rusher
Despite the potential loss of a key defensive starter, Canales expressed confidence in the remaining depth at the edge-rusher position.
"We've got guys," said Canales. "That's why we keep bringing in depth, and talent, and different guys.
You know, Jaelen Phillips is in that room, Pat Jones is back, Princely Umanmielen is coming along."
The head coach added that the team has a trusted group to call upon if needed.
"We've got a whole group of guys that we're counting on," said Canales.
"So, if it comes to that, we have guys that we trust and are going to ask to do different things.
But let's hold off on that until we know what's going on."
Canales recounted hearing Scourton go down during drills and noted that further details would be provided once medical results are finalized.
"I just heard him go down," said Canales. "As we have more information, we'll let you know."
Reflecting on the team's response, Canales praised the players for prioritizing Scourton's well-being over football implications.
"I'm proud of the fact that the first thought in guys' minds isn't, 'Are we going to have Nic for the season?'
It's, 'How is Nic?'" said Canales.
Canales also provided updates on other injured players.
Offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu is recovering well from a torn patellar tendon, and cornerback Jaycee Horn is expected back in a couple of weeks after a toe cut.
Offensive lineman Brady Christensen has returned from an Achilles tear.
Following Scourton's injury, FOX Sports reported that Carolina is expected to sign free-agent outside linebacker Cam Gill, who recently earned UFL Defensive Player of the Year honors after registering 11.0 sacks for the Louisville Kings.
