Panthers sign LB Deion Jones to active roster after Shaq Thompson injury

Following the injury to linebacker Shaq Thompson, the Carolina Panthers have signed Deion Jones to their active roster according to Around The NFL.

Thompson sustained a serious leg injury in the Panthers’ most recent Monday Night Football matchup versus the New Orleans Saints, suffering from a broken leg that required surgery and will likely result in Thompson missing the remainder of the season.

The Panthers promoted Jones to their 53-man roster from the practice squad to bolster their linebacking unit, bringing eight seasons of NFL experience to the table along with him.

Jones was selected with the No. 52 pick in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons out of LSU. He spent six seasons in Atlanta, earning Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team honors in his first season and a Pro Bowl selection in his second.

He appeared in 85 games for the Falcons recording 652 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 11 interceptions before being traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2022 along with a 2024 seventh-round pick for 2024 sixth-round pick.

Jones appeared in 11 games for the Browns last season making five starts, ending the year with 44 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, three passes defended, an interception, and a forced fumble. He signed with Carolina this offseason in July, and despite making the practice squad following the preseason, he’ll now have a chance to make his mark on the Panthers’ active roster.

Shaq Thompson announces surgery for broken leg was successful

Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson announced Wednesday on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the surgery on his broken fibula was successful.

“Surgery was a success! Road to recovery,” Thompson posted.

Thompson suffered the injury in Monday night’s loss to the New Orleans Saints. He was placed on IR the following day.

“It’s hard to put into words; we talk about a brotherhood, he’s just a close brother,” Reich said Tuesday. “This is a warrior. This is a guy who knows how to practice. He knows how to play. He’s a team-first player. I was texting him last night, and he’s already talking about trying to figure out ways he’s going to get back. This is before he has all the news on all the stuff, but you know, trying to figure out a way he’s going to help the team.

Surgery was a success! Road to recovery #KeepPounding

— Shaq Thompson (@ShaqThompson_7) September 20, 2023

On3’s Peter Warren contributed to this report