Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson has been placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Thompson, like teammate Cam Newton, will not be on the field for the team’s final games against the Falcons and Saints. 
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Thompson, 24, set new statistical career-highs this year with 3.5 sacks and 79 total tackles. Presently, he ranks as Pro Football Focus’ No. 28 ranked linebacker in the NFL.
The Panthers exercised Thompson’s 2019 option in the spring, meaning that he is under club control next year at a cost of $9.232MM. Shoulder issues have plagued him all season, so the Panthers do not want to risk his health in two games that, for all intents and purposes, are meaningless. As the New York Times playoff tree shows, Carolina would need to win out and gain the cooperation of at least five other outcomes in order to even have a chance at extending their season.
Recognizing the long odds, the Panthers also opted against activating safety Da’Norris Searcy from injured reserve.