NFL rookie from Texas A&M suffers frightening injury during preseason workouts

Nic Scourton, a second-round draft pick from Texas A&M football, reportedly had to be hospitalized after a practice with the Carolina Panthers. Panthers head coach Dave Canales let the media know while speaking with reporters that Scourton had suffered a collapsed lung, which was initially mistaken for heat exhaustion, during Thursday's practice and is now en route back to Charlotte.

This is a scary injury for any player to experience, and it guarantees that Scourton will have to miss some time before getting back out on the field for the Panthers. Health always comes first, without a doubt, but this is a true bummer for Panther fans, as Scourton was widely considered their best rookie in the class up until this point.

Scourton is officially listed as week to week right now, meaning it will be a bit before he is able to return. He is having to drive back to Charlotte, as this injury precludes him from being able to fly.

Carolina Panthers' Nic Scourton hospitalized after suffering collapsed lung; Rookie from Texas A&M now back en route to Charlotte

Nic Scourton's effort was already making a lot of waves among Panthers coaches and fans after he tracked down Shedeur Sanders for a sack on the definition of a high-motor play. His absence will definitely be felt in Charlotte, but it looks like he's on the way back sooner rather than later.

The reason I say that is the man himself seems encouraged, according to his recent Instagram story:

Even if this does end up meaning some serious time lost for Scourton, he will no doubt return and make a big impact for the Panthers before the season is out. As one of the highest-value selections of the second round, being previously projected as a first-rounder, the Panthers will benefit majorly from his return.

For now, though, he needs to focus on resting and recovering. A collapsed lung is no joke— and Aggie fans everywhere are just glad he's okay.