The Panthers have activated LB Shaq Thompson from the PUP. The veteran had a "little cleanout" on a knee in the offseason. Barring a setback, Thompson should have time to get ready in time for Week 1.

The Panthers on Saturday activated DE Brian Burns and LB Shaq Thompson from the COVID list. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports both will play Sunday against the Saints.

Panthers LB Shaq Thompson (foot) is active for today's game against the Falcons. He hasn't played since Week 4 because of the foot injury. CB Stephon Gilmore is also off the PUP and set to make his debut for what should be an improved Carolina defense.

Panthers LB Shaq Thompson (foot) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons. He put in limited practices all week after missing the previous game. It sounds like Thompson expects to be ready, but we'll check his status Sunday morning.

The Panthers have ruled LB Shaq Thompson (foot) out for Sunday's game against the Giants. That leaves Jermaine Carter to lead Carolina LBs in playing time.

Panthers LB Shaq Thompson suffered a foot injury in Sunday's loss to the Cowboys and is "expected to miss some time," according to The Athletic. Thompson played 93% of the snaps, so the injury must have occurred late. Jermaine Carter checked in next among non-edge LBs at 66% playing time and figures to lead that group while Thompson is out. Carter becomes a decent Week 5 waiver pickup for IDP leagues.

In addition to WR D.J. Moore, the Panthers have placed WR Curtis Samuel on the COVID list. The timing almost certainly knocks him out for their Week 14 clash with Denver. Other players Carolina has placed on the COVID list include LB Shaq Thompson and DT Derrick Brown. We'll see if the team's outbreak impacts the 1 p.m. ET Sunday kickoff.

The Panthers have ruled LB Shaq Thompson (foot) out for Sunday's finale against the Saints. Jermaine Carter started and played every snap in place of Thompson last week but tallied just 2 tackles against the Colts. He's not a strong option for your Week 17 IDP lineup.

The Panthers have ruled LB Shaq Thompson out for Sunday's game against the Colts with an ankle injury. Jermaine Carter -- a 5th-round pick from 2018 -- will start in Thompson's place. We'd look elsewhere for a fantasy replacement, though.

Panthers CB Donte Jackson (groin) is inactive for today's game against the Buccaneers. S Eric Reid (ankle) and LB Shaq Thompson (ankle) are active after entering the day questionable. They should be OK to use in IDP lineups.

The Panthers have deemed LB Shaq Thompson (ankle), S Eric Reid (ankle) and CB Donte Jackson (groin) questionable for Sunday morning's game in London. Thompson and Reid both put in limited practices the past 2 days after beginning the week on the sideline. Jackson practiced the first 2 days but then was limited Friday. He missed the past 2 games with the groin injury and shouldn't be in IDP lineups. We'll check on the other 2 Sunday morning, when inactives for that game arrive at 8 a.m. ET.

The Chargers will be signing LB Thomas Davis, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Davis joins a crowded LB corps that will continue to start Denzel Perryman after re-signing him. Jatavis Brown figures to return to a backup role. We'll see how 2019 rookie Kyzir White fits in. Davis turns 36 on March 22 but remained a full-time player after returning from his season-opening PED suspension. We'll see how the Chargers sort out the corps. They haven't favored playing any LB at 100% in recent seasons. Davis' departure could allow LB Shaq Thompson to regain full playing time in Carolina. He's in the final year of his rookie contract.

Panthers HC Ron Rivera confirmed Wednesday that MLB Luke Kuechly will sit out Sunday's season finale against the Buccaneers. Kuechly has cleared the concussion protocol, but Carolina has elected to keep him out of the final few games. Two straight seasons of multiple-game absences for concussions raises questions about Kuechly's long-term future, though he has said he's not considering retirement. We'll see what else this story has in the offseason. A.J. Klein will start in his place again, but OLB Shaq Thompson has passed him to sit #2 behind Thomas Davis in playing time among Carolina LBs.

Panthers HC Ron Rivera said Monday that there's no timetable for MLB Luke Kuechly's return from the concussion he suffered in Thursday night's win over the Saints, according to the Charlotte Observer. Kuechly's in the league protocol, so we'll see how he progresses. The fact that he missed about a month with a concussion early last season adds concern to the situation. Rivera added that he's concerned with what's best for "Luke the person, not Luke the player." So expect the team to be cautious. A.J. Klein would likely be 1st up to replace Kuechly if he's ready to play Sunday at Oakland. Klein returned to practice Monday after missing Week 11 with a concussion. He has not yet cleared the protocol. David Mayo would be next up behind him. DC Sean McDermott also said that LB Shaq Thompson might see action in the nickel defense if CB Leonard Johnson can't play Sunday because of a chest injury.

Panthers LB Shaq Thompson (knee) is inactive for today's game against the Chiefs.

Panthers LB Shaq Thompson left his 1st practice with the team Friday after "tweaking" a hamstring, according to ESPN.com. HC Ron Rivera said the team will re-evaluate the injury at the beginning of Saturday's final session of the 2-day minicamp to see if the rookie can take part. If he can't, Thompson won't get back on the field until June 16 because of University of Washington's academic quarter system. That could hurt his chances of making the starting lineup early in 2015, but Thompson's more of a long-term IDP target anyway. This shouldn't impact that at all. We'll see if the hamstring issue recurs at all this summer.

The Panthers took LB Shaq Thompson with the 25th pick of the NFL Draft. Thompson has been compared to Panthers LB Thomas Davis, who announced the pick Thursday night. Davis is also 32, with 3 ACL tears behind him. Thompson will have trouble finding IDP value right away, but he'll start on the outside for the Panthers soon and carries fantasy upside. He could be a value pick if he slides in your dynasty rookie draft.