CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson has a torn Achilles tendon and will miss the rest of the season, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on Monday on condition of anonymity because the team had not disclosed the severity of the injury.

Panthers coach Dave Canales is expected to address the injury at a news conference later in the day.

Thompson, 30, suffered the non-contact injury in Sunday’s 34-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The team initially reported that Thompson had a heel injury. He was taken to the locker room on a cart and did not return.

Thompson has been critical in the past of the Panthers playing on an artificial surface instead of a turf field, which he said increases the risk of injury to players and increased wear and tear on their bodies.

This is Thompson’s second serious injury in the last two seasons. He broke his fibula in Week 2 last season and missed the final 15 games.

Thompson is considered the emotional leader of the team’s defense and had 35 tackles this season. Thompson, a former first-round draft pick, started 112 games in his 10 seasons with the Panthers.

This is the second major injury to the Panthers’ defense this season; Great Defensive lineman Derrick Brown was lost for the year in Week 1 after suffering a torn meniscus in his knee.

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