The Carolina Panthers enter the 2026 preseason with several projected contributors already sidelined, including rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell II and outside linebacker Nic Scourton, both of whom are out for the season with knee injuries. Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Arizona Cardinals will provide an early opportunity to see how Carolina plans to replace them. The injuries come as Carolina prepares for another season in North Carolina, where regulated North Carolina sports betting has been available since March 2024.
The Injuries, Offense and Defense
On offense, Brazzell tore the LCL in his left knee at practice on July 29 and will need season-ending surgery. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu is on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from a torn patellar tendon suffered in last season's playoff loss to the Rams, though general manager Dan Morgan remains optimistic he can return this season. Right tackle Taylor Moton is on the non-football illness list with a blood clot and is expected to miss the start of the regular season. Guard Damien Lewis has also been managing a calf issue in camp, which head coach Dave Canales has described as minor.
The defense has taken a similar hit. Scourton tore his ACL on the first day of training camp, July 23, and is out for the season. Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton is on the physically unable to perform list after offseason neck surgery, and fellow defensive tackle Bobby Brown III is on the non-football injury list with a hamstring injury. Linebackers Trevin Wallace and Thomas Incoom are both still working back from separate offseason shoulder surgeries.
How Carolina Is Filling the Gaps
To add depth after Scourton's injury, the Panthers brought back outside linebacker Cam Gill, who set a UFL record with 10.0 sacks this spring and previously appeared in 10 games for Carolina in 2024. To fill Brazzell's roster spot, the team signed tight end Chamon Metayer. Those moves also follow Carolina's offseason signing of edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to a $120 million contract, a move that now becomes even more important with Scourton sidelined for the year.
A Brief Look Ahead of HOF Game
An early depth chart from ESPN, posted ahead of Thursday's Hall of Fame Game, offers a glimpse at how Carolina's roster could take shape while several contributors remain sidelined. Patrick Jones II could see a larger role opposite Jaelan Phillips with Scourton out, while injuries along the offensive line should create additional opportunities for depth players throughout the preseason.
Head coach Dave Canales has confirmed that quarterback Kenny Pickett will start Thursday's game, with Bryce Young held out of the preseason opener entirely. Pickett, who signed a one-year, $7.5 million deal with Carolina this offseason, will make his first start for the Panthers behind an offensive line already missing Ekwonu and Moton. Undrafted rookie Haynes King is set to serve as his backup against Arizona. Fans using NC betting apps can follow the Panthers as several players take on larger roles during the preseason.
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