Panthers LB Shaq Thompson's injury update: 'He will miss an extended amount of time'
Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson's injury status will require more time. Thompson was injured with around two minutes left in the first quarter after making a tackle. His ankle was rolled on and when the cart came out to take him off the field. Nearly the entire team came with it to offer Thompson some assurance. […]
Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson's injury status will require more time.
Thompson was injured with around two minutes left in the first quarter after making a tackle. His ankle was rolled on and when the cart came out to take him off the field. Nearly the entire team came with it to offer Thompson some assurance.
After the game, in which the Panthers lost 20-17, head coach Frank Reich gave an update on Thompson's status, and it appears that the starting linebacker will be limited for the foreseeable future.
"Shaq did have a significant ankle injury," Reich said. "He will miss an extended amount of time."
Reich said Thompson will be evaluated by doctors on Tuesday and the team will know more about his status moving forward then. For now, however, he believes Thompson will miss an extended period of time.
Reich didn't want to speculate that Thompson could be dealing with a broken ankle, but he also didn't rule out the injury.
"I don't know yet," Reich said. "I don't want to say."
Thompson was part of an inspired-looking Panthers defense early. Here is a look at the play he was injured on:
For more than half the game, the Panthers held the Saints out of the endzone, forcing field goals, and overall making life difficult for Derek Carr and his offense.
The Panthers' defense, gaining no support from the offense that couldn't find the endzone until late in the fourth quarter, gave up its first touchdown score with two minutes left in the third quarter.
Overall, the unit, minus Thompson, was solid.
Despite not having one of its captains, the Panthers held their own against a good Saints team. But it wasn't enough to stop Carolina from slipping to 0-2 on the season.
Making matters worse, both losses have been against NFC South opponents. In a year that started with so much optimism, the Panthers have dug a hole that will be difficult to climb out of moving forward.
Thompson's ankle injury was just salt added to the wound.
Panthers LB Shaq Thompson injured in matchup with Saints on Monday Night Football
Injuries strike again for the Carolina Panthers.
Feature image via Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports.
