Panthers pass rusher Nic Scourton leaves field on cart after apparent knee injury

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers pass rusher Nic Scourton went down late during Thursday’s practice — the first of training camp — during team drills while rushing around the edge against the first-team offense.

Players immediately went to a knee as trainers gathered around Scourton and examined his right knee. The cart then came out for Scourton, who had his head in his hands as he was being taken off the field. Before the cart left the practice facility, coach Dave Canales and every player on the field — including injured players not in uniform — hugged or shook hands with Scourton.

Scourton was slated to start opposite free-agent acquisition Jaelan Phillips. If they lose him for any length of time, the onus will be on Patrick Jones and second-year player Princely Umanmielen to step up as pass rushers.

Last season as a rookie, Scourton — the second-round pick out of Texas A&M — tied Derrick Brown for the team lead with five sacks. He played in all 17 games, starting eight, and finished with 47 tackles and seven tackles for loss.

This story will be updated