CHARLOTTE — When Nic Scourton left Bank of America Stadium Sunday night, he knew Patrick Jones II was in pain, but he didn't know he was in that kind of pain.

So when he found out Monday that Jones needed back surgery, which ruled him out for the rest of the season, he admitted it shook him.

"It was honestly devastating," Scourton said. "Just for my brother, man, because we've been battling injuries, and just coming back, and I really felt for him, and I know how much it hurt him to not be able to go play with his brothers.

"It really hurt me for Pat."

Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, the team's second- and third-round picks, were assigned veteran mentors as soon as they walked in the door, so they've gotten to know Jones and D.J. Wonnum at a deep level for people who have been together such a short time.

So for Scourton, news like this hits in a way that supersedes the added responsibilities on defense he has to take on now. They've spent enough time together that they know each other's habits. And Scourton said that after getting to know Jones the way he has, it didn't surprise him that he finished the game.

"I kind of joke with Pat sometimes, he loves to make his job and his life harder," Scourton said. "Like he lives for adversity, and he's a tough competitor, and I'm telling you, anybody in here could ask, so he's a tough guy, and it says a lot to who he is finishing the game."

Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that Jones reported "a little bit of tightness" on Sunday night, but after coming in Monday, he was sent for tests that revealed the extent of the damage.

"It's a big one for us," Canales said. "I know it may come as a shock because he was playing such awesome football throughout that game and was able to get through it, but it was something that as we continue to evaluate it and go through our process, popped up on us and we thought the best thing for him at this time was to make sure that we address that.

"It was something that it was something he woke up with Monday and he was in he was in a really bad spot, and so we just did the full evaluation and the imaging and all the things that go into that, and he was really upset and clearly because when he's in there he's such an impactful player for us, but I wanted to make sure that we did the right thing for Pat and and of course you know everyone in his camp, his family and his agent and people involved there making the right decision for Pat."

Canales didn't get into the specifics of the rotation behind him, but Scourton started the two games Jones missed with a hamstring injury earlier this year (Weeks 3 and 4). They also have Umanmielen (who has played mostly on passing downs but seen increased action against the run lately), special teamer Thomas Incoom, and practice squad outside linebacker Boogie Basham, who was activated for one game earlier this year.

"Great opportunity for all those guys to step in, and guys that we've been counting on who've been growing in their roles for second down, rush packages, all those things," Canales said. "So fortunate to be able to have those guys have to play early. DJ missed a couple of games, so they stepped in and had their roles, and each week they keep improving. Every practice is a milestone. You can only imagine, at this point in their careers, adjusting to a system, adjusting to the NFL, each practice is a milestone, and every individual period is important, and every game certainly. So another great opportunity for those guys to come out and help the team."

As Scourton considers what's ahead of him now, he said he's trying to follow Jones' example.

"I mean, no pressure; just work," he said. "My coach is challenging me to step up, and that is what it is."

That said, he knows his life is about to change.

After playing a total of 40 snaps in his first two games as he adapted to the league, Scourton had to immediately ramp that up, playing a combined 100 in the next two as a starter.

Even with Jones back the last two weeks, he was still on the field around 60 percent of the time, and said with those reps, he's feeling much more certain in his movements than at the beginning of the season.

"It's like a full 180," he said of his comfort level. "Like I feel so much better, just getting those reps in the game. I think I'm just more in control and have a better understanding of the game and the flow of the game."