It’s been a tough season for the Carolina Panthers, and it just got tougher with the news that linebacker Shaq Thompson has suffered a broken right leg. The injury occurred during the Panthers’ Week 11 game against the New Orleans Saints, and Thompson is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Thompson, who is in his sixth season with the Panthers, had been having a solid year prior to the injury. He had started all 10 games this season and had recorded 48 tackles, two sacks, and one interception.
The injury is a huge blow to the Panthers’ defense, which has already been struggling this season. Thompson was one of the team’s top linebackers and was a key part of the defense. Without him, the Panthers will have to rely on other players to step up and fill his role.
The Panthers have not yet announced who will replace Thompson in the lineup. However, it’s likely that veteran linebacker Tahir Whitehead will take over as the starter. Whitehead has been with the team since 2019 and has plenty of experience at the position.
The Panthers are currently 5-7 and are in last place in the NFC South division. With Thompson out for the remainder of the season, it’s going to be even tougher for them to make a playoff push.
It’s a tough break for Thompson, who was having a good season before the injury. He’ll now have to focus on getting healthy and returning to form for next season. The Panthers will miss his presence on the field, but they’ll have to find a way to make do without him for the rest of this season.
