Early 2026 NFL Training Camp Injury Watch: Panthers Updates and Fantasy Impact
- Football Nation
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
Updated August 3, 2026. Carolina entered training camp with important questions on both lines, then lost a young pass rusher during the first practice. The latest official team reporting also includes encouraging returns from Jaycee Horn and Jonathon Brooks. Injury designations can change quickly, so this report separates confirmed information from fantasy interpretation.
Nic Scourton placed on injured reserve
Outside linebacker Nic Scourton suffered a right knee injury on the first day of camp and was placed on injured reserve the next morning. The second-year defender tied for the Panthers’ team lead with 5.0 sacks in 2025, making his loss especially significant for a defense that needs more consistent pressure.
Carolina brought back outside linebacker Cam Gill to fill the roster spot. Gill was named the UFL Defensive Player of the Year after setting a league record with 10.0 sacks. That production gives him a real opportunity, but replacing Scourton’s role will likely require a rotation rather than one direct substitute.
The offensive tackle situation
Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu began camp on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from the torn patellar tendon he suffered in Carolina’s playoff loss to the Rams. Head coach Dave Canales described the normal recovery window as roughly nine to 12 months, while the organization has expressed optimism that Ekwonu could return during the season.
Right tackle Taylor Moton began camp on the non-football illness list after doctors discovered a blood clot in late June. The Panthers said Moton is on blood thinners and cannot participate in contact work until he is medically cleared. With both starting tackles unavailable, free-agent addition Rasheed Walker, first-round rookie Monroe Freeling and the reserve tackles are receiving valuable early reps.
Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton also opened camp on PUP following offseason neck surgery. Bobby Brown III began on the non-football injury list with a hamstring issue, although the team initially described his expected absence as shorter term.
Positive updates: Horn and Brooks
Cornerback Jaycee Horn was activated from the non-football injury list on July 28. Horn had cut his toe while running before camp and needed stitches, but he returned for the first padded practice after missing the opening five days.
Running back Jonathon Brooks has also provided one of the strongest comeback stories of camp. Brooks missed significant time after back-to-back ACL injuries, but the Panthers reported that he showed no hesitation during his first padded NFL training-camp practice. On a featured run, he cut through the line, made All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd miss and gained enough yardage for a first down.
Brooks’ return does not automatically change the depth chart. Carolina’s own positional preview described Chuba Hubbard as the clear leader of the backfield. Brooks is competing to earn a complementary role and prove that his burst, cutting ability and pass-game value hold up through the preseason.
Other early camp issues
Rookie receiver Chris Brazzell II worked with the rehab group because of knee soreness. Canales described it as an issue the team was monitoring and treating rather than announcing a long-term absence. Guard Damien Lewis dealt with a calf issue, while Robert Hunt was held out with what the team informally called “camp back.” Tight end Mitchell Evans left a padded practice with an ankle injury, although the initial team assessment was optimistic that it was not serious.
Fantasy football impact
Hubbard remains the safest Panthers running back to draft because he enters camp as the established starter. Brooks is a high-upside late selection or handcuff, but fantasy managers should not assume an immediate workload split after such a long rehabilitation. His preseason usage, pass protection and work in two-minute situations will be more informative than one practice highlight.
The tackle injuries are more important to Bryce Young and the entire offense than many fantasy rankings will show. Protection instability can reduce deep-shot opportunities, increase quick throws and make the running game less efficient. Rasheed Walker and Monroe Freeling therefore become two of the most important non-skill-position players to monitor in August.
Brazzell remains an intriguing dynasty and deep-league prospect because Carolina drafted the 6-foot-4 receiver after a 1,017-yard, nine-touchdown college season. His immediate redraft value depends on health and whether he can move ahead of established receivers in a crowded room.
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