Linebacker Shaq Thompson is getting better each day. 

He didn't participate in team drills but was able to take part in individual work and unit drills.

His play on Monday inspired the Panthers' defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero to offer some words of praise to his veteran linebacker who will define the defense. 

"He looked good," Evero said. "He's picked up where he left off. The one thing you don't have to worry about with Shaq, whether he's rehabbing or out there playing, is that he's going to be working his butt off. And so, he didn't look, I didn't see anything rushed (in his rehab) or anything like that."

Thompson's return to football couldn't come soon enough. 

The Panthers have a joint practice with the New York Jets and a preseason bout on Saturday. 

Thompson is also ready to prove he can still play at a high level. 

The 30-year-old suffered a near career-defining leg injury early in the 2023 season. He wound up missing the rest of the campaign. He's not closing the book on being an elite starter in the league moving forward. 

"I don't think I've lost a step," Thompson said in July, via the Panthers' official website. "To be honest with you, I think after breaking my leg, I probably gained a step. I'm way lighter than I used to be, feeling the game more."

He stands ready to prove he hasn't missed a beat.