CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Pulled from Saturday’s preseason outing at the Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton drastically underthrew rookie Tetairoa McMillan, who appeared to be working his way open deep.
Dalton’s effort fluttered well short.
Dave Canales issued concerning post-game statements, fearing the veteran suffered a severe elbow injury. The Panthers coach updated Dalton’s condition after he participated in limited drills during Monday’s NFL training camp practice.
Canales said Dalton’s issues were diagnosed as a mild muscle strain and remain questionable for Thursday’s preseason finale against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers.
Immediately after the 20-3 loss to the host Texans, general manager Dan Morgan and his staff started investigating the free-agent quarterback market. On Monday, UFL MVP Bryce Perkins agreed to terms on a one-year contract. To make room on the 90-man roster, tight end Tyler Mabry (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve.
As the fourth QB, Perkins joined Monday’s practice and will likely spell third-stringer Jack Plummer against the Steelers. Bryce Young and a majority of first-teamers are not expected to dress.
Canales was asked of his first impressions of Perkins during Monday’s press conference.
“Accurate,” Canales replied. “He came in today, really excited to get him in here. The UFL MVP. He’s earned this opportunity.”
Perkins, 28, spent 2020-22 with the Los Angeles Rams, earning a Super Bowl ring. Leading the Michigan Panthers to the UFL championship game last spring, Perkins compiled 1,611 passing yards and 14 touchdowns in seven outings.
“It’s great to be able to just reward somebody who’s gone to another league, played so well, but also spent three years with the Rams,” Canales said. “Football’s football and he’s played a lot of it. He’s played significant snaps. I’m excited for him to be here.”
New #Panthers quarterback Bryce Perkins (10) made his debut during Monday’s #NFL training camp practice … pic.twitter.com/zhCRZ5WSig
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) August 18, 2025
Injured Rookie Nic Scourton Progressing
After Nic Scourton suffered a collapsed lung following a hard collision during last Thursday’s joint practice with the Houston Texans, Canales admitted to being concerned, advising that the rookie edge rusher could be “week-to-week.”
Scourton will not play against the Steelers, but his prognosis improved significantly after spending last Thursday night in the hospital. The second-round draft pick was a limited participant Monday.
“Huge improvement,” Canales said. “Significant improvement. He was actually running today. The guy’s 20 years old. So, he bounced back pretty quick.”
#Panthers edge Nic Scourton, who suffered a collapsed lung during last Thursday’s joint practice at #Texans , returned to the practice field Monday in a limited capacity. The rookie was ruled out for Thursday’s #NFL preseason finale vs visiting #Steelers … pic.twitter.com/IKQDJGMNhj
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) August 18, 2025
The post NFL Preseason: Carolina Panthers Ink UFL MVP QB Bryce Perkins; Injured Nic Scourton Showing ‘Significant improvement’ appeared first on Sportscasting | Pure Sports.