Panthers Make Sudden Pivot After Heartbreaking Injury

The Panthers are reinforcing their defensive lineup by bringing former Super Bowl champion and UFL sacks leader Cam Gill back into the fold after a potential setback with star edge rusher Nic Scourton.

The Carolina Panthers are moving quickly to add help at edge rusher after a scary injury to Nic Scourton on the first day of training camp.

According to FOX Sports’ Greg Auman, the team is set to sign outside linebacker Cam Gill, with the deal expected to be finalized on Friday.

Gill is a familiar face in Carolina. He played for the Panthers in 2024, appearing in 10 games and recording 22 tackles and four QB hits while logging 221 snaps on defense. He also handled a role on special teams, where he played 172 snaps.

His most recent stop came in the UFL, where he led the Louisville Kings with 10 sacks in 2026. That total was 2.5 more than the next closest player in the league.

Before his time with the Panthers, Gill spent three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, appearing in 40 games as a backup. He was also part of Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl team in 2020.

Gill won’t replace what Scourton brings, but he does give Carolina another option while the team waits for answers on the rookie’s right knee injury.

Scourton was hurt on Day 1 of camp, and the early signs have not been encouraging. He is undergoing tests to determine the severity of the injury, but the scene at practice on Thursday suggested something serious.

"Scourton was in tears as cart left the field and whole team came to give him a hug when he left," NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reported.

"Nic Scourton was unable to put any pressure on his right leg. It appears significant.

Trainers were looking at his right knee," he added. "Teammates near him were very emotional with their frustration."

The Panthers were tied for the third-fewest sacks in the NFL last season, so losing their 2025 sacks leader would be a major blow. For now, Carolina is hoping the injury turns out better than it looked, even as Wolfe’s report left little room for optimism.

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