When Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson went down in the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints, the Panthers knew it would be a tall task to replace one of the team's vocal leaders. 

Now, in the short week after playing on Monday Night Football, the reality of the tall task at hand for finding a legitimate replacement for Thompson is setting in. 

“We are still trying to work through all those different things,” defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero said. “We felt really good about how Kamu [Grugier-Hill] played in the game. Debo [Deion Jones], obviously, is gonna be up now. He’s gonna provide some depth, and we’re kinda workin’ through all those rotational things. Chandler Wooten is in play. So, we’re kinda considerin’ everybody.”

Though Thompson went down against the Saints, the Panthers defense stepped up. And Grugier-Hill stepped into the Thompson and played it seamlessly. 

Grugier-Hill claimed six tackles and a sack. Decent production for someone who was a special teams player most of his career. 

Of who the possible replacements for Thompson may be for the Panthers, Evero spoke highly of both Jones and Grugier-Hill. 

“Very athletic, very smart, very stable,” Evero said. “But, ya know, him and Debo are very similar type of players. They’re both guys that are —  really good skill set in terms of coverage, runnin’ to the ball. Both smart guys.”

The Panthers will be seeking to find Thompson's replacement soon. Against the Seahawks, the Panthers' defense will need another stout performance to keep Geno Smith and company from running up the score on them. 

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Feature image via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports.