All Panthers

Carolina Panthers rookie Nic Scourton calls collapsed lung 'minor setback'

One thing we don't need to question is the toughness of Carolina's second-round pick.
Tim Weaver|
Jun 11, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Nic Scourton (11) during minicamp at Bank of America Stadium.
Jun 11, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Nic Scourton (11) during minicamp at Bank of America Stadium. | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

In this story:

Carolina Panthers

Rookie Carolina Panthers edge rusher Nic Scourton made a good impression in his first NFL game against the Cleveland Browns. While the rest of the Panthers' defense was imploding around him, Scourton was able to generate several pressures on Shedeur Sanders and notched one sack. For his efforts he earned the highest PFF grade on the team.

Fans who were eager to see an encore were disappointed yesterday when they learned Scourton wouldn't play against the Houston Texans due to what we thought were heat sickness symptoms he suffered during a joint practice earlier in the week. However, we learned from head coach Dave Canales after the game that Scourton had actually suffered a collapsed lung and had to be driven back to Charlotte.

For most people a collapsed lung qualifies as a harrowing medical scare. NFL players are not built like the rest of us, though - and Scourton took to Instagram yesterday and called it a "minor setback."

Nic Scourton on collapsed lung

This is just a tiny bit crazy, but you have to be at least a little bit nuts in order to play professional football at this level and the very best competitors are always a little bit more than a little bit crazy.

As of yet, there's no word on how long Scourton is going to be out, but the team is calling his status "week to week."

The good news - if there is any to be found coming out of Carolina's humiliating 20-3 loss to Houston is that the team suffered no other major injuries.

- Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI - 

Takeaways from Carolina’s confusing, ugly preseason loss to Texans

Fantasy label for Bryce Young shows how far he’s come since benching

National NFL insider says sneaky Panthers TE looks like ‘real weapon’

Stock up, stock down for Panthers from their second preseason game

Published
Tim Weaver
TIM WEAVER

Tim Weaver has been writing about the NFL since the 2013 season for multiple teams and outlets, including USA Today and The Sporting News. He currently covers the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers for On SI.