Shaq Thompson Injury: Updates on Panthers LB's Knee and Return

Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson hasn't played since suffering a sprained knee in Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals. However, he's ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Thompson Active vs. Saints

Thursday, Nov. 17

The Panthers announced Thompson will play against New Orleans on Thursday.

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Latest on Thompson's Practice Status

Tuesday, Nov. 15

Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer reported Thompson had a helmet at Tuesday's practice session. However, his knee was wrapped, and he was wearing a brace.

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Thompson Expected to Lead Next Generation of Panthers LBs

Thompson was Carolina's first-round pick in 2015. He's a tremendous athlete who played offense and defense in college at the University of Washington. But coming out of school, he was going to need time to develop at the NFL level.

The Panthers made sure to get Thompson on the field as a rookie. He started 10 games in 2015, but the linebackers ahead of him were much more important to the Carolina defense. Thomas Davis ranked third on the team in sacks, and All-Pro Luke Kuechly was the unit's leader.

As the Panthers headed toward the 2015 playoffs, Khaled Elsayed of Pro Football Focus noted Thompson wasn't "needed all that much" and would "likely stick to his sub-package and reserve role." However, he did total seven combined tackles in the NFC title game and Super Bowl.