The Carolina Panthers suffered a big loss to their defense after learning that linebacker Patrick Jones will be done for the season due to back surgery.
And just like that, the Carolina Panthers have suffered yet another injury.
This time it’s hit their defense where outside linebacker Patrick Jones will have to miss the remainder of the season because of back surgery, coach Dave Canales announced on Wednesday.
After posting career high numbers with the Minnesota Vikings last season, his production with the Panthers has certainly taken a hit, including missing two games earlier with a hamstring injury.
However, the real Jones was starting to seep in, having an excellent two week stretch.
You may have remembered though amid the Panthers 27-24 comeback win against the Miami Dolphins, Jones registered a pivotal sack against Tua Tagovailoa on 3rd down with a minute and 42 seconds left in the game.
"It's a big one for us," Canales said. "I know it may come as a shock because he was playing such awesome football throughout… but it was something that as we continue to evaluate it and go through our process, popped up on us and we thought the best thing for him at this time was to make sure that we address that.
With Jones being out for the rest of the season, it puts rookie Nic Scourton in a major position to get even more looks.
Scourton and Jones developed a solid relationship over the summer, with Jones taking the rookie under his wing. So, when Scourton found out that Jones was going down for the rest of the season, and ultimately leading to more reps for him, you can imagine it was bittersweet.
"It was honestly devastating," Scourton said. "Just for my brother, man, because we've been battling injuries, and just coming back, and I really felt for him, and I know how much it hurt him to not be able to go play with his brothers.”
Of course, with an elevated role, you’d think a lot of pressure is immediately put onto the rookie right?
“No pressure; just work," the rookie told reporters on Wednesday.
That sounds like a seasoned vet, or at least someone who was mentored by one.
The 2025 second round draft pick has looked decent to start his professional career with nine total tackles and two tackles for loss.
Working isn’t foreign for him either. Prior to transferring to Texas A&M last season, he spent his first two college seasons at Purdue, and led the Big Ten in total sacks with 10. Not only that, he also registered a combined 29 tackles for loss in both his sophomore and junior season.
Carolina’s next game takes place on October 19 against the New York Jets. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX.