The Carolina Panthers may have lost another one of their leaders on defense.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, inside linebacker Shaq Thompson is believed to have sustained a torn Achilles tendon in yesterday’s 34-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Thompson, who is set to undergo an MRI on the injury today, would be expected to miss the remainder of the season.
This 2024 campaign is Thompson’s 10th in the NFL, with each coming as a member of the Panthers. Carolina selected the University of Washington standout with the 25th overall pick of the 2015 NFL draft.
Thompson, who is slated to become a free agent at season’s end, talked a bit about the importance of 2024 back in the summer.
“I love it here,” he stated in June. “I been here for nine, going on to 10 years. I mean, this is all I know. I would love to retire here, but that’s in my fate. And when I say that—I control what I control, I control myself on that field. If I play well, I stay here. If not, I’m out. I understand and know the business. This is my last year, so I’m playing for the Panthers and I’m playing for 31 other teams.”
The 30-year-old ‘backer was playing some of his best ball prior to the injury, as he had accumulated 35 tackles through four games.
This is now the second season-ending injury in as many years for Thompson. He missed the final 15 games of the 2023 campaign after fracturing his fibula in Week 2.
Carolina is already without Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown, who tore his meniscus in the season opener against the New Orleans Saints.
