The Carolina Panthers are already down one of their top defenders in cornerback Jaycee Horn, who just underwent surgery on an injured hamstring. So, what happened early in Monday night’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints certainly won’t help.
Following the 20-17 loss, head coach Frank Reich told reporters that linebacker Shaq Thompson sustained a “significant ankle injury,” one that’ll presumably keep him sidelined for quite a bit.
“Probably gonna miss some extended time, but we need some further evaluation tomorrow with the docs,” Reich said. “So we’ll give you the information when we have a full evaluation.”
The ninth-year veteran left during the first quarter of the contest, after Saints offensive tackle Trevor Penning was thrown into his ankle by defensive lineman DeShawn Williams. He would have to be carted off the field and was replaced by Kamu Grugier-Hill.
Thompson, now 29 years old, played in all 17 games for Carolina last season—notching a career-high 135 combined tackles.
[lawrence-related id=681413,681406,681391]