The Carolina Panthers experienced a rather unfortunate development yesterday, right from the outset of their 2026 training camp. But the show must go on.
Here are the top takeaways and observations from the team's second outing of the summer . . .
The aftermath
On Thursday, second-year outside linebacker Nic Scourton was lost to an ACL tear. The Panthers placed their rising pass rusher on injured reserve this morning, and signed veteran Cam Gill in his place.
Gill appeared in 10 games for Carolina during the 2024 campaign. His most recent stop came for the United Football League's Louisville Kings this past spring, where he posted a total of 11.0 sacks and was named the UFL's Defensive Player of the Year.
The Panthers also made a swap in the offensive trenches,
waiving guard Joshua Gray and adding rookie Derrell Bailey.
Stepping up
Upon confirming the devastating news on Scourton, head coach Dave Canales told reporters after practice that fellow second-year outside linebacker Princely Umanmielen will be asked to step up into a "major role."
He went on to talk about what he expects out of the 2025 third-round pick in the absence of their 2025 second-round pick.
"Really, just the complete outside linebacker in our scheme can be out there and first and second down, play stout against the run and then transition into a pass rusher on play pass—and certainly in those known pass situations—third down, two-minute drill," Canales said.
"Just wanting him to continue to hone in his craft. He's got such great ability, he's got length, he's got bend, he's got speed, he finishes at the quarterback in his past, in his history. Just wanting him to continue to show that every single day and walk into a role."
Umanmielen played in just 22 percent of Carolina's defensive snaps during his rookie campaign. He ended the year with 1.5 sacks and 10 pressures.
Other options off the edge include Jaelan Phillips, Pat Jones II, Trevis Gipson, Thomas Incoom and, now, Gill.
Two more injuries?
Both starting right guard Robert Hunt and starting cornerback Mike Jackson did not fully participate due to back tightness.
While he didn't seem overly concerned, Canales said the two will be sent for imaging to clear up their respective outlooks.
"It's kind of a chain," Canales stated. "If your back starts to tighten up while the rest of your soft tissue, your hamstrings, quad, flexor—everything else starts to tighten up. So it's imperative we get all of that settled down before we throw them back out there to do things."
Carolina's offensive line is already without two starters in left tackle Ikem Ekwonu (knee) and right tackle Taylor Moton (blood clot), who are both expected to miss time into the regular season. The defense, meanwhile, is down two linemen in Tershawn Wharton (neck) and Bobby Brown III (hamstring) and their other starting corner in Jaycee Horn (toe).
Top observations
Rob Hunt is not practicing today. We’ll get more information from Canales afterward pic.twitter.com/BJl5Vl1ONy
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) July 24, 2026
Bryce Young and #Panthers receivers working through route tree.
— Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) July 24, 2026
—Xavier Legette
—Jalen Coker
—John Metchie
(Yes, Tetairoa McMillan is here; just wasn’t caught on camera this time.) pic.twitter.com/YhFe9iwm60
Chau Smith Wade with a pick of Bryce Young in 7s. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 24, 2026
WHAT A PLAY ‼️ pic.twitter.com/JWKvUGfsyQ
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) July 24, 2026
Mike Jackson not out here today, that I’ve seen.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) July 24, 2026
Mitchell Evans getting a lot of work today. Just pulled in a Bryce pass.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) July 24, 2026
11v11 - Bryce Young hits a crossing Legette in stride with a beautiful pass and seamless catch. YAK would’ve been impressive as well.
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) July 24, 2026
Princely Umanmielen and Thomas Incoom got immediate pressure on Kenny Pickett in 11 on 11. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 24, 2026
Kenny Pickett 11v11 series:
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) July 24, 2026
Sack
Trips and fumbles ball, picks it back up, but would’ve been sack
Sack
A little a scuffle with Luke Fortner and the DL. Fortner had his helmet ripped off. Quickly settled. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 24, 2026
Thomas Incoom, having a strong workout, speeds into the pocket immediately and Pickett has to throw it away in 11s •#Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 24, 2026
The versatile Brady Christensen getting work at guard today.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) July 24, 2026
Zavala in at RT with the 1s with Hunt not practicing.
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) July 24, 2026
Final play of practice is a Will Lee interception of a Bryce Young pass to Xavier Legette right in front of the defense. Defense erupts and Lee punts the ball in the air.
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) July 24, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers 2026 training camp tracker: Top takeaways and observations from Day 2
