Sportsnaut
Dave Canales already has a big challenge ahead as he enters his third season as the Carolina Panthers head coach. While his Panthers made the playoffs by winning the NFC South division last season, they did so with a losing record of 8-9-1. Plus, now the target is on their backs as the reigning division champs. Chances are, they’ll face tougher adventures in 2026.
Some of those hardships have already arrived early on in Panthers training camp, which kicked off on Thursday. First, starting right tackle Taylor Moton was diagnosed with blood clots, and he’s expected to miss at least the start of the season, if not much longer. Now, another projected starter may be sidelined for Week 1, and possibly much longer too.
Related: Carolina Panthers’ $44 Million Starter Diagnosed with Blood Clots, Expected Out for Week 1
The Panthers had their first training camp practice on Thursday. Unfortunately, they may have suffered a serious injury on the first day.
According to multiple Panthers reporters close to the situation, edge rusher Nic Scourton had to be carted off after suffering a lower leg injury. Scourton was seen in tears after coming up with the injury.
Coach Canales has confirmed that the injury is to Scourton’s right knee, which is now set for an MRI.
If the 21-year-old Scourton, who had been slated for a starting role as he enters Year 2 of his NFL career, the Panthers will have to rely on an improved cast of pass-rushers even more than they were anticipating.
The Panthers made Scourton the 51st overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He managed to start eight of his 17 appearances as a rookie, and even recorded five sacks in the process. Carolina is excited about his future; hopefully, a wrench didn’t just get thrown into those plans for the upcoming season.
Related: Carolina Panthers Insider Says Team Could Ditch 25-Year-Old First-Round Pick
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