Panthers injuries: Dave Canales on Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell, Jonathon Brooks, more

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales offers injury updates on a bunch of players in Monday press conference.

Sep 29, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales checks on linebacker Shaq Thompson (54) after an injury in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers may feel better about themselves with Andy Dalton leading them than they have under any of their last several starting quarterbacks. However, no amount of good vibes or increased confidence will change how poor their defense has been performing so far this season, and the situation is seemingly getting worse by the hour.

Earlier today, we learned that off-ball linebacker Shaq Thompson, who was the team's defensive centerpiece and highest-graded defender this week is done for the season due to an Achilles tear. Thompson suffered the injury on a non-contact play in Sunday's home loss to the Cininnati Bengals. Thompson isn't the first critical piece to go down this season for Carolina's defense. Derrick Brown is already on injured reserve with a knee injury he suffered in Week 1.

Thompson isn't the only linebacker that got injured on Sunday, either. Fellow starter Josey Jewell also went down and will miss at least one game. Here's everything the media heard today from head coach Dave Canales on Thompson, Jewell, and several other injured players, including rookie running back Jonathon Brooks.

Dave Canales on Shaq Thompson

Panthers coach Dave Canales on Shaq Thompson (Achilles) season-ending injury: "Just sick for Shaq. He cared so much and had so much passion. . . . He stood for the right things.''

— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) September 30, 2024

Canales on Josey Jewell

Dave Canales says Panthers expect Josey Jewell to be out at least one week with groin and hamstring injuries.

— Joe Person (@josephperson) September 30, 2024

Canales on Ian Thomas, Jaden Crumedy, Dane Jackson

Canales said Dane Jackson, Jaden Crumedy and Ian Thomas are expected to return to practice from IR this week. #Panthers

— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) September 30, 2024

Canales on Jonathon Brooks, DJ Wonnum

Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks and OLB DJ Wonnon are in the final stages of returning from their injuries but the team doesn't plan to open their 21-day practice window this week.

— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) September 30, 2024

- Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI -

Andy Dalton’s second-straight strong game not enough for Panthers

Diontae Johnson headlines studs for Panthers from loss to Bengals

What the Panthers had to say after their loss to Joe Burrow, Bengals

Shaq Thompson injury: What it means for Carolina Panthers defense