Carolina Panthers announce season‑ending IR for LB Nic Scourton due to torn ACL

Nov 16, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Nic Scourton (11) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers have effectively ended linebacker Nic Scourton’s season before it even started.

The team placed Scourton on injured reserve Friday, just one day after he suffered a right‑knee injury on a wet practice field during training camp.

Multiple media outlets report that Scourton has a torn ACL, though the Panthers have not officially confirmed the diagnosis. The decision to place him on season‑ending IR indicates the injury is severe.

Scourton, who is seeking a second opinion, appeared to realize the seriousness of the injury immediately, showing an emotional reaction on the field.

The 21‑year‑old was seen in tears, shielding his face as a cart carried him off. Before the cart departed, the entire Panthers roster and head coach Dave Canales gathered for a brief, heartfelt moment as practice was halted for the day.

Acquired as a free agent, Scourton was slated to start opposite Jaelan Phillips in his second season. As a rookie, he logged 17 games (eight starts), recorded 47 tackles—including seven for loss—a team‑tying five sacks and forced a fumble.

With Scourton sidelined, veterans Patrick Jones II and Princely Umanmielen are expected to see expanded roles.

On the same day, the Panthers signed former UFL Defensive Player of the Year Cam Gill and offensive tackle Derrell Bailey, while waiving guard Joshua Gray.

Gill, 28, posted 10 sacks for Louisville this spring and brings experience from a Super Bowl‑winning run with Tampa Bay, where he amassed 51 tackles and 2½ sacks across 50 games with the Buccaneers and Panthers.

Bailey, an undrafted prospect from Georgia State, joins the organization after going unselected this cycle.

Source link