CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson has a torn Achilles tendon and will miss the remainder of the season, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because the team had not announced the severity of the injury. Panthers coach Dave Canales is expected to address the injury at a news conference later in the day. The 30-year-old Thompson suffered the noncontact injury during Sunday's 34-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
The team initially reported that Thompson had a heel injury. He was taken to the locker room on a cart and did not return. Thompson has been critical in the past about the Panthers playing on an artificial surface instead of a grass field, which he felt increased the risk of injuries to players and more wear and tear on their bodies.
This is Thompson's second major injury in the last two seasons. He broke his fibula in Week 2 last season and missed the final 15 games. Considered the emotional leader of the team's defense, Thompson had 35 tackles this season.
A former first-round draft pick, Thompson has started 112 games during his 10 seasons with the Panthers. This is the second major injury for the Panthers' defense this season; top defensive lineman Derrick Brown was lost for the year in Week 1 after suffering a torn meniscus in his knee. AP NFL: https://apnews.
com/hub/NFL.