Pro Husky Shaq Thompson out for season with leg injury

Pro Dawg linebacker Shaq Thompson has been shut down for the 2023 NFL season with a leg injury.

Husky legend and current Carolina Panther Shaq Thompson went down with an injury early in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. Tests revealed that he suffered an unfortunate fractured fibula and he has already undergone surgery to repair the injury.

Thompson played for Washington football for three season from 2012-2014. He was a dominant player for the Huskies in all three years of his collegiate career. In his freshman season as a defensive back, Thompson had 74 tackles, 8.5 for loss, two sacks, and three interceptions. In year 2 with his switch to linebacker he accumulated 78 tackles, four for loss, 0.5 sacks, and one interception. During his junior and final season, Thompson had 80 total tackles, 2.5 for loss, one sack, and one interception.

Thompson’s collegiate dominance culminated in his selection 25th overall by the Panthers in 2015, whom he has played a hybrid role with since.

In Carolina, Thompson has 717 tackles, 52 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 31 QB hits, three interceptions, and four forced fumbles. He even earned a trip to Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos during his rookie year but the Panthers ended up losing 24-10. Thompson had five tackles in that game. In Thompson’s career, the Panthers have only reached the playoff one other time (2017).

Thompson has been a key defensive player for Carolina for eight seasons. He is such a dynamic player that I feel is often overlooked. I hope to see him remain a vital component for the team in the future.