The Panthers placed Thompson (Achilles) on injured reserve Saturday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports. Thompson tore his Achilles tendon during the Panthers' Week 4 loss to the Bengals. He underwent surgery to repair his Achilles on Wednesday, and he'll shift his focus towards being fully healthy for the 2025 season. In Thompson's absence, Claudin Cherelus is expected to slide into the starting inside linebacker role moving forward.
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Status
IR - Achilles - Surgery Expected Return: 2025-02-10Latest Shaq Thompson news
Team
Carolina Panthers
Birthdate
4/21/1994 (30)
Status
Injured Reserve
HT/WT
6'0", 230 lbs
Draft Info
2015: Rd 1; Pk (CAR)
Birthplace
Sacramento, CA, USA
Position
LB
College
Washington
Experience
10 seasons
Career History
Carolina Panthers
2015-Present
(10 seasons)
The Panthers placed Thompson (Achilles) on injured reserve Saturday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports. Thompson tore his Achilles tendon during the Panthers' Week 4 loss to the Bengals. He underwent surgery to repair his Achilles on Wednesday, and he'll shift his focus towards being fully healthy for the 2025 season. In Thompson's absence, Claudin Cherelus is expected to slide into the starting inside linebacker role moving forward.
Thompson underwent a season-ending surgery Wednesday to repair his torn Achilles tendon, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports. The veteran linebacker tore his Achilles in the Panthers' Week 4 loss to the Bengals, and he had recorded 35 total tackles over 229 defensive snaps before his injury. With Thompson missing the remainder of Carolina's 2024 campaign, expect Claudin Cherelus and Trevin Wallace to see increased playing time with the Panthers' first-team defense.
The Panthers have confirmed Thompson suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Sundayh's loss to the Bengals, David Newton of ESPN.com reports. Thompson's injury news was expected, but that doesn't make it any easier for the 2015 first-round selection, nor the Carolina franchise. Although early in the campaign, the 30-year-old was on pace to record the highest total tackle amount of his career and was the leader of the Panthers' defense. In his absence, Claudin Cherelus and Trevin Wallace will be asked to step up at inside linebacker.
Thompson is believed to have suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in Sunday's loss to the Bengals, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Thompson was carted off the field in the second half due to what at the time was reported as a heel injury. The loss of the Washington product would be a significant blow to the Panthers' defense, which has already been struggling to begin with. Once the injury is confirmed, Thompson will likely be placed on IR and ultimately need surgery to repair his Achilles.
Thompson left Sunday's game against the Bengals due to a heel injury and is questionable to return, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports. Thompson is more likely to be doubtful after he was carted off the field to the locker room, per Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio 1340. With Josey Jewell (hamstring) doubtful to return, Claudin Cherelus and Trevin Wallace will be the primary inside linebackers for the rest of Sunday's game.
Thompson recorded six total tackles (four solo) during Sunday's 36-22 win over the Raiders. Thompson finished as Carolina's second-leading tackler in Week 3, though he underproduced by his standards, having averaged 12 tackles per game through the Panthers' first two contests. Luckily for Thompson, Carolina's offense carried the load Sunday, and he wasn't required to do much with the Panthers leading by at least two scores for the entire second half. Expect Thompson to rebound and put up big tackle numbers in Week 4, as the Panthers host the Bengals.
Thompson recorded 14 total tackles (eight solo) during Sunday's 26-3 loss to the Chargers. Despite Carolina's defensive struggles, Thompson has remained a bright spot, racking up an impressive 24 total tackles across the team's first two contests. The veteran inside linebacker has now led the entire game in total tackles in both Week 1 and Week 2, and he's expected to continue being a valuable IDP option as the Panthers travel to Las Vegas in Week 3.
Thompson logged 10 total tackles (four solo), including two tackles for loss during Sunday's 47-10 loss to the Saints. The 30-year-old linebacker missed the Panthers' final 15 regular-season games in 2023 after fracturing his ankle, but he didn't miss a beat in his return to the field Sunday. Thompson was impactful in Week 1, leading Carolina in total tackles and finishing second in tackles for loss. Despite Sunday's loss, Thompson appears to be the leader of the Panthers' defense and could be a valuable IDP piece going forward.
Thompson told reporters Wednesday that he feels "amazing" coming off his fractured ankle from nine months ago, Joe Person of The Athletic reports. According to Person, Thompson told reporters that he underwent another surgery this offseason to address a groin issue that originated in 2020. The 30-year-old linebacker also stated that he expects to play five more seasons in the NFL and he hopes to retire as a Panther, per David Newton of ESPN.com. It seems Thompson is in good health and spirits heading into Carolina's 2024 campaign, as he projects to have another large role as the team's defensive field general.