### Panthers' Shaq Thompson Likely Out for Season Due to Achilles Injury

The Carolina Panthers' defense may be without one of its pivotal players, Shaq Thompson, for the remainder of the season. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Thompson is suspected to have sustained a torn Achilles. The team is set to confirm the injury with an MRI scheduled for Monday.

Thompson incurred the injury during the fourth quarter of the Panthers' recent loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The 30-year-old linebacker, who was a first-round pick in 2015, has spent his entire NFL career with the Panthers.

After playing in just two games last season due to a broken fibula, Thompson returned this year and had recorded 35 total tackles, including two tackles for loss and one quarterback hit in 2024. His potential absence would mark a significant setback for the Panthers' defense as they navigate through the season.