thesun
The Carolina Panthers' training camp has been marred by a spate of injuries, and the latest blow sees rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell sidelined for the entire 2026 season. After initially being diagnosed with a moderate lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury, a second opinion led to the decision for the third-round pick to undergo season-ending surgery.
Brazzell's injury occurred during practice, and he had already missed two sessions earlier in the week due to soreness in the same knee. The team had hoped he would only miss up to eight weeks, but the surgery will now keep him out for the remainder of the campaign.
This news comes on the heels of the devastating ACL tear suffered by linebacker Nic Scourton on the very first day of camp. Scourton was carted off the field and subsequently ruled out for the entire season, leaving the Panthers' defense without a key contributor.
Key Analysis
The Panthers' injury crisis has extended beyond these two significant losses. Backup tight end Mitchell Evans was also carted off the field on Tuesday with a low ankle sprain, and veteran right tackle Taylor Moton is dealing with a blood clot in his lung, which will cause him to miss the season opener against the Chicago Bears on September 13.
Additionally, the team placed wide receiver Dan Chisena on injured reserve this week, prompting them to sign Casey Washington and Gabriel Benyard to bolster their receiving corps. The new additions join a wide receiver room that already includes Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, John Metchie, Jimmy Horn, Brycen Tremaine, David Moore, and Ainias Smith.
Originally reported by thesun.