• Rookie Nic Scourton suffered a collapsed lung during practice after symptoms were mistaken for heat exhaustion.
• He spent a night in the hospital and was driven back to Charlotte due to the risks associated with flying.
• Recovery remains uncertain, evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
• Encouragingly, he’s already back doing individual movement exercises.
• Preseason play had shown Scourton’s promise—including a long-range chase and his sack debut.

In a joint practice session with the Houston Texans on Thursday, August 14, 2025, Nic Scourton, a 20-year-old rookie pass rusher and the Carolina Panthers’ second-round draft pick (51st overall), began to exhibit signs resembling heat exhaustion. According to Coach Dave Canales, Scourton was having trouble breathing and appeared fatigued. Although trainers attempted to cool him down as a precautionary measure, his condition did not improve, leading to a hospital visit where it was discovered that he had a collapsed lung—a pneumothorax—considerably more severe than initially suspected.

What Coach Canales Told Reporters About Scourton’s Situation

Coach Dave Canales shed light on the incident, highlighting that Scourton’s collapse occurred after “a very physical play.” The rookie’s difficulty breathing and sudden onset of fatigue initially seemed like heat exhaustion, but the cooling efforts did not relieve his condition. With lingering uncertainty, the team’s medical personnel opted to send him to Houston’s Memorial Hermann Medical Center, where doctors confirmed the lung collapse.

Following a preseason game on Saturday, August 17, Canales addressed reporters, as reported by ESPN and CBS Sports. He explained that Scourton’s symptoms were initially mistaken for heat exhaustion.

“It was a very physical play,” he said of the Aug. 14 training session. “It was presenting like heat exhaustion because he was having trouble breathing.

Hospital Stay and Why He Didn’t Fly Home

Scourton spent the night in the hospital for observation. The next day, he was driven—rather than flown—back to Charlotte, a decision aimed at avoiding the risks that cabin pressure poses to lung injuries. His parents and team personnel accompanied him on the roughly 15-hour drive.

Canales was clear about Scourton’s timeline: “It’s really week-to-week.” While some players have returned quickly from similar conditions, recovery timelines vary. The team plans to monitor him closely and only make decisions once he’s back in Charlotte and stabilized.

Encouraging Signs: Scourton Back Doing Movement Work

Less than a week later, Scourton returned to the practice field—though not yet to full team drills. He engaged in individual movements, running and being closely monitored for oxygen levels. Coach Canales described it as “significant improvement,” noting the rookie’s youth and resilience as assets in his quick rebound.

Despite this setback, Scourton had already impressed early in camp. In his preseason debut against the Cleveland Browns, he delivered two tackles and one sack. He also turned heads during training camp with an explosive play—a single snap where he chased down the quarterback over 70 yards, showcasing his potential impact on the Panthers’ defensive front.

Medical Protocol and Team Support for His Recovery

Medical staff have outlined a cautious recovery protocol, handling lung function and conditioning to guard against complications like air leaks or infection. Teammates have expressed support: safety Xavier Woods said, “He’s a tough kid. We know he’ll do everything the right way to get back out there.” Their backing, combined with medical attention, sets a structured environment for Scourton’s recuperation.

This medical scare underscores the importance of vigilant health monitoring in high-intensity sports. Panthers fans and supporters will be keenly watching as Scourton’s recovery progresses—hoping he’s cleared for game action soon.

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