Panthers' Nic Scourton Carted Off in Tears on 1st Day of Training Camp, Latest Injury Updates on LB

Carolina Panthers linebacker Nic Scourton was carted off the field after suffering a right knee injury during the first day of training camp on Thursday, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.

Per Wolfe, Scourton was "in tears" as the cart left the field and the "whole team came to give him a hug" while he exited practice.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Scourton will have an MRI on Thursday afternoon to determine the severity of the injury.

The 21-year-old is entering his second season in Carolina after he was selected with the No. 51 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Scourton appeared in all 17 regular-season contests as a rookie.

He opened his 2025 campaign as a depth piece for Carolina, but was able to carve out a larger role while the year continued and ended up starting in eight games.

Scourton racked up 47 tackles, nine quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss, five sacks and one forced fumble during his inaugural season. He also amassed 34 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.

It would be a tough blow to the Panthers if Scourton is forced to miss an extended period of time, as they're looking to make consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since 2015.

He was expected to play a significant role in their pass rush alongside offseason acquisition Jaelan Phillips. Patrick Jones II and Princely Umanmielen are candidates to receive more opportunities next to Phillips for as long as Scourton is sidelined.