Panthers outside linebacker Nic Scourton suffered a torn ACL in training camp, per Ian Rapoport and Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network, ending the 2025 second-round pick’s sophomore campaign before it even began.
Scourton, 21, was carted off the practice field on Thursday morning with subsequent tests confirming the team’s worst fears. He is not going to play this season; as an alternative, surgery and a lengthy rehab process are on tap for the second-year edge rusher.
The Panthers were hoping that Scourton would construct on his solid rookie season (five sacks, seven tackles for loss) opposite big-money free agent signing Jaelan Phillips. Now, they shall be scrambling for depth in an edge rusher room that is comparatively unproven behind Phillips.
Veteran Patrick Jones and 2025 third-round pick Princely Umanmielen are the highest candidates to take over Scourton’s starting role. Jones, 27, signed a two-year, $20MM cope with the Panthers last offseason and commenced the primary 4 games of the regular season before undergoing season-ending back surgery. He was coming off a breakout 2024 in Minnesota, which included seven sacks and nine TFLs, so he could also be Carolina’s primary alternative for Scourton straight away.
Umanmielen, 24, appeared in 16 games as a rookie with a rotational role on defense. He managed just 1.5 sacks and two TFLs, but his production and All-SEC nods in his final two college seasons indicate he can grow right into a more productive NFL player. As unlucky as Scourton’s injury is, it still represents a serious opportunity for Umanmielen.
The Panthers’ other edge rushers include Trevis Gipson, Nick Hampton, and Thomas Incoom – a skinny group that would use some veteran depth. Carolina could look right into a reunion with Jadeveon Clowney, who’s fielding interest from multiple teams; other top options include Kyle Van Noy and Haason Reddick.
The team is making one immediate move following Scourton’s injury. 28-year-old outside linebacker Cam Gill, who led the UFL with 10 sacks this 12 months is anticipated to re-sign with the Panthers on Friday, per FOX Sports’ Greg Auman. Gill appeared in 10 games in Carolina in 2024 with a rotational role on defense and a core role on special teams. He previously spent three years with the Buccaneers.