Shaq Thompson Injury: Updates on Panthers LB’s Knee and Return
Published by Adam Wells on October 30, 2016
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson suffered a sprained knee in Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals. It’s unclear when he’ll return to the field.
Continue for updates.
Thompson Out vs. Rams
Friday, Nov. 4
Bryan Strickland of Panthers.com announced Thompson won’t play Sunday against Los Angeles.
Latest on Thompson’s Practice Status
Thursday, Nov. 3
David Newton of ESPN.com reported that Thompson was present at Thursday’s session but did not have his helmet on.
Thompson Expected to Lead Next Generation of Panthers LBs
Thompson was Carolina’s first-round pick in 2015. He’s a tremendous athlete who played offense and defense in college at the University of Washington. But coming out of school, he was going to need time to develop at the NFL level.
The Panthers made sure to get Thompson on the field as a rookie. He started 10 games in 2015, but the linebackers ahead of him were much more important to the Carolina defense. Thomas Davis ranked third on the team in sacks, and All-Pro Luke Kuechly was the unit’s leader.
As the Panthers headed toward the 2015 playoffs, Khaled Elsayed of Pro Football Focus noted Thompson wasn’t “needed all that much” and would “likely stick to his sub-package and reserve role.” However, he did total seven combined tackles in the NFC title game and Super Bowl.
Carolina’s defense is stacked, especially in the front seven, and it will still thrive while Thompson recovers. He does need to stay on the field in order to develop his skills, but the Panthers have bigger goals to think about in 2016.
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