Carolina Panthers captain, linebacker Shaq Thompson carted off the field after injury

Shaq Thompson is hurt.

The Carolina Panthers’ defensive captain and one of the team’s longest tenured players laid on the Bank of America Stadium turf after a New Orleans Saints rush on Monday. Taysom Hill ran for seven yards before Saints offensive tackle Trevor Penning rolled into Thompson’s right leg, injuring his ankle.

After a few moments, Thompson was lifted off the turf by two members of the Panthers staff and was carted off the field. Every player on the Panthers sideline gathered around Thompson before he was driven away.

He exited in the first quarter of the contest, during the Saints’ second possession. At halftime, the team announced he would not return.

Thompson, often the voice of reasons on this Carolina defense, reworked his contract with the only NFL franchise he’s played for this offseason. He’s now on a two-year deal with a pay cut.

Thompson’s replacement, Kamu Grugier-Hill, was the star of training camp with four interceptions. The Panthers also signed Deion Jones, a former Pro Bowler, to the practice squad.

This is just the latest bit of injury-related bad luck the Panthers have suffered this season. Jaycee Horn, the team’s top corner, was placed on the IR on Friday after a hamstring injury. Offensive lineman Brady Christensen was also announced as out for the season earlier this week — adding to the attrition of an offensive line that is already missing veteran guard Austin Corbett, who is on the PUP list as he recovers from knee surgery.

Mike Kaye contributed to this report.