Bad news for Carolina's defense. NFL Media reports that Shaq Thompson is suffering from a torn Achilles tendon following the game against Cincinnati. The linebacker must undergo an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. If so, he will likely be placed on injured reserve, and his season will be over.
Repeated hard blows
This would be the second year in a row that ended prematurely for Thompson. Last year, he suffered a fractured fibula in week 2 against New Orleans. Despite everything, he confirmed on Instagram that he does not plan to retire following this new injury. He is supposed to become a free agent next March.
Shaq Thompson, Carolina veteran
Shaq Thompson is a pillar of Carolina's lineup. Drafted in the first round of the 2015 draft, he is the second longest-serving player on the Panthers roster. In four games this year, he has recorded 35 tackles. In a 10-year career and 123 games with the Panthers, he accumulated 750 tackles, 12 sacks, 5 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions.
