Shaq Thompson’s 10th NFL campaign is officially over.
Multiple reports from early Monday afternoon indicated that the veteran inside linebacker sustained a tear of his Achilles tendon in yesterday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Carolina Panthers then confirmed the unfortunate development on Thompson, who will now miss the remainder of the 2024 season.
Head coach Dave Canales was asked what the loss of Thompson means for his team moving forward.
“I’m just sick for Shaq,” Canales replied during his presser on Monday. “A guy that really just cares so much and plays with so much passion. A vocal leader. Somebody’s who had my back through this process as I get my feet underneath me as a first-time head coach.
“And to have the support of veteran guys like this, that stand for the right things, people that I can talk to, people that I can ask to lead a charge for this thing or that thing that we’re looking to get more of. So a guy that stood for all those things—Panthers football all the way through and through.”
Thompson has played each of his 10 pro seasons for the Panthers, who selected him with the 25th overall pick of the 2015 NFL draft. He’s since gone on to appear in 123 games for Carolina and has recorded the fourth-most tackles in franchise history.
Canales continued.
“And then, of course, he’s just a fantastic communicator and player,” he added of Thompson. “And so, again, just another blow for us. But another great opportunity for Trevin [Wallace], for guys to step up and to show what they have and how they can help Panthers football.”
The 30-year-old Thompson is slated to become a free agent at season’s end.
