Panthers activate veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson from PUP list

The Carolina Panthers are getting back another key contributor just before the start of the regular season. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Panthers activated veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson, from the team’s physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

Thompson landed on the list earlier in the offseason after undergoing a minor procedure to clean up his knee. Initially, head coach Matt Rhule said his star linebacker was expected only to miss two weeks. But it appears as if his recovery ran a little longer than expected. With Thompson coming back now, he should be clear to play in the team’s season opener on Sept. 11 against the Cleveland Browns; although no word has been given on that front.

Thompson just wrapped up his seventh season in the NFL, all of which have been spent with the Panthers. This past season, Thompson enjoyed one of his best seasons of his career, totaling 104 tackles, nine tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, two sacks, five passes defended, and two interceptions in 14 games.

In his NFL career, Thompson has compiled 574 tackles, 44 tackles for loss, 28 quarterback hits, 11.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles, 22 passes defended, and three interceptions.

Matt Corral exits Panthers’ preseason game early with foot injury

The Carolina Panthers just wrapped up the week two preseason game against the New England Patriots. For the matchup, the only two quarterbacks to play for the Panthers were PJ Walker and rookie quarterback Matt Corral. Walker and Corral alternated drives for much of the game until the closing minutes of the matchup. But on the last few offensive possessions for Carolina, the Ole Miss rookie did not see any action, and for good reason.

According to Panthers head coach Matt Rhule, Corral had his foot stepped on during the game and was taken to get X-rays on the injury. 

Although fans would have liked to see more from the former Rebel, the injury appeared significant enough for him not only to be removed from the game but to have X-rays taken. Later, it was reported that Corral suffered a Lisfranc injury that will likely end his season.