Panthers Training Camp Has Been Defined by Injuries
- Jailen Robertson
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
Optimism surrounded the Panthers entering camp, but injuries quickly became the storyline.
The biggest setback came on the opening day when second-year edge rusher Nic Scourton suffered a torn ACL during team drills on a wet practice field. After tying Derrick Brown for the team lead in sacks as a rookie, Scourton appeared poised for a breakout season opposite free-agent addition Jaelan Phillips. Instead, he’ll miss the entire 2026 campaign.
Unfortunately, the injury report hasn’t stopped growing.
Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu continues recovering from the torn patellar tendon he suffered during January’s playoff loss to the Rams and is expected to miss the start of the regular season. Veteran right tackle Taylor Moton remains sidelined after doctors discovered a blood clot in his lung during the offseason, leaving Carolina without both starting tackles for significant portions of camp.
The defensive line has also taken several hits. Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton is working his way back from offseason neck surgery, while Bobby Brown III has been limited by a hamstring injury.
There have been encouraging developments as well. Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn has returned after missing the opening days of camp because of a foot injury requiring stitches. Meanwhile, wide receiver Xavier Legette avoided a more serious injury after leaving practice following a frightening fall, with the team confirming he suffered only a stinger.
The worst news offensively came with rookie receiver Chris Brazzell II, whose torn LCL will sideline him for the entire season before his NFL career could truly begin.
For a roster built around improving the trenches, the injuries have forced Canales and his coaching staff to reshuffle rotations nearly every practice.
Young Players Are Seizing Their Opportunity
Every training camp creates opportunities, and several Panthers have already taken advantage.
With Scourton unavailable, Princely Umanmielen has received extensive work with the first-team defense and has become one of the biggest breakout stories of camp. After posting 24 tackles and 1.5 sacks during his rookie season, the athletic pass rusher now has a legitimate chance to carve out a major role in Carolina’s defense.
Veteran Patrick Jones II has also looked healthy after back surgery and continues competing for snaps opposite Jaelan Phillips.
Inside, rookie defensive tackle Lee Hunter has impressed coaches with his physicality and motor. The young lineman has embraced the opportunity to learn behind Derrick Brown, and his development could provide valuable depth throughout the season.
The offensive line has also offered an early glimpse into Carolina’s future. With Ekwonu unavailable, Rasheed Walker and first-round rookie Monroe Freeling have handled starting tackle responsibilities throughout camp, accelerating Freeling’s development much earlier than originally expected.
In the secondary, fourth-round rookie Will Lee III has quietly earned meaningful reps behind Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, showing the instincts and confidence Carolina hoped to find during the draft.
Thursday night’s game should provide each of those young players with their first meaningful opportunity to translate strong practice performances into game action.
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