Shaq Thompson Injury Updates

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.

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.

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 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.