Panthers head coach Dave Canales announced that outside linebacker Patrick Jones II will miss the remainder of the season due to a back injury that requires surgery. The decision came after Jones underwent imaging on Monday.
“After Jones had imaging done Monday, the determination was made that he’d need surgery,” Canales said.
Jones played in Sunday’s game against the Cowboys but did not participate in practice on Wednesday. Earlier this year, the 27-year-old missed two games because of a hamstring injury and recorded an important sack late in a win over the Dolphins.
With Jones sidelined, rookie Nic Scourton is expected to take on a larger role within the defense. Scourton, a second-round draft pick, has seen increased playing time throughout the season and started during Jones’s previous absences against the Falcons and Patriots.
Other options at outside linebacker for Carolina include D.J. Wonnum, Princely Umanmielen, and Thomas Incoom. Boogie Basham was previously elevated from the practice squad for the Patriots game.
