The NFLPA is scrutinizing video of the practice where a star pass-rusher tore his ACL, investigating whether the team violated strict acclimation period contact rules.
The Carolina Panthers had untimely news on Thursday when second-year pass-rusher Nic Scourton suffered a torn ACL at the very beginning of training camp this summer.
Scourton, a second-round pick in 2025, was expected to play a key role for Carolina this season after recording five sacks in his rookie season.
The injury was unfortunate for Carolina, as they lost one of their best edge players before the preseason. It also could land them in hot water with the NFL because of the timing of the injury.
Per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the NFL Players Association will review video of Thursday's practice to check the circumstances that led to Scourton's injury (which reportedly happened on a wet practice field).
"Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the NFL Players Association will review video of the practice to understand the circumstances," Florio wrote.
"If it was a non-contact fluke, that’s one thing. If the Panthers were straying beyond the limits of the acclimation period, it’s another."
The league requires the first five days of training camp to be an "acclimation period."
Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the first day is limited to physical examinations, meetings, and classroom instruction. The only on-field activities allowed are "running and conditioning."
It could very easily be the case that Scourton suffered the injury while performing running and conditioning drills.
Days two through five allow a ramp-up period in helmets and protective shirts, though no live contact is allowed.
Regardless of the future findings of the NFLPA, the loss is still huge for the Panthers. Carolina head coach Dave Canales called Scourton's injury a "horrible loss" for the team.
"Just a horrible loss for us," Canales said, via Panthers.com. "Just as a guy, as a leader, as a young guy to be able to be a leader because of how he represents himself.
"But all the guys are supporting him. We have guys who have been through this, and they've all just said, we got him, and we'll be following along with him."
And the NFL will be following too.
