Carolina Panthers rookie Nic Scourton, a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was hospitalized after suffering a collapsed lung during a joint practice with the Houston Texans. He did not travel with the team for Saturday’s preseason game against Houston, instead returning to Charlotte with staff and family members.
It was described as a very physical sequence on the field. Panthers coach Dave Canales said the issue initially presented like heat exhaustion, with Scourton having trouble breathing and growing tired. Scourton was cooled down but did not respond well enough for the team to feel comfortable sending him back into practice. Canales noted that Scourton is considered week-to-week after being released from the hospital. Carolina listed him as out for the game due to illness.
Scourton, a 6-foot-2, 257-pound edge rusher, had played in Carolina’s first preseason game against the Cleveland Browns, logging two total tackles and a sack in his professional debut.
Before entering the NFL, Scourton spent two years at Purdue, where he led the Big Ten with 10 sacks in 2023 before transferring to Texas A&M ahead of the 2024 season. In his lone campaign with the Aggies, he earned first-team All-SEC honors with 14 tackles for loss and five sacks.
What this means for Carolina: the rookie’s health will be the priority as the team monitors his recovery. The Panthers have shown confidence in Scourton’s potential, evidenced by his college production and his early preseason role. While the setback is a reminder of the physical nature of training camp, the organization will likely provide updates on his progress as he moves through a week-to-week evaluation.
Additional context: Scourton’s return to action will depend on his respiratory recovery and medical clearance. If healthy, he could boost Carolina’s pass-rush depth as he continues to adapt to the NFL game after a standout college career.
Summary: Nic Scourton’s injury setback during joint practice has sidelined him for now, but team officials describe his status as week-to-week with a plan to reevaluate. His college résumé—piling up Big Ten sacks at Purdue and All-SEC honors at Texas A&M—keeps him as a notable young talent to watch as the Panthers navigate preseason and prepare for the regular season.
Positive note: there is reason for cautious optimism about Scourton’s future, given his early impact in the preseason and his proven production at the college level, which could translate to a strong contribution once he’s back to full health.