Carolina Panthers make critical decision on Shaq Thompson prior to training camp

Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson will start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, coach Matt Rhule confirmed Monday. Thompson had a “clean-up” of his knee and is expected to miss only two weeks.

The Panthers training camp is scheduled to begin Tuesday, so that gives Thompson plenty of time to return to full health by the season opener on Sept. 11. Teams can activate players from the PUP list at any point during the preseason without being forced to miss regular season game action. However, if a player remains on the PUP list heading into the season, he will be required to miss at least four games. 

A first round pick out of Washington in the 2015 NFL Draft, Shaq Thompson has so far spent his entire career with the Panthers. As a rookie, he helped lead Carolina to a 15-1 record and appearance in Super Bowl 50 while starting 10 games and recording 50 tackles. He has been a staple in Carolina’s defense ever since.

This past season, Thompson finished with 104 tackles (nine for loss), two sacks and a career-high two interceptions. That helped the Panthers tie for third in the NFL in yards allowed per play, though they were just 21st in the league in scoring defense. Carolina started this past season off with a 3-0 record, but would ultimately finish the year 5-12.

The Panthers have bolstered their defense this offseason by adding safety Xavier Woods and linebacker Damien Wilson. On offense, they traded for quarterback Baker Mayfield and get running back Christian McCaffrey back from injury. Those additions couple with a healthy Thompson have many Panthers fans excited about what 2022 has in store.

Carolina is set to open the regular season on Sept. 11 at home against the Cleveland Browns.