Carolina Panthers Promote Deven Thompkins Amid Injuries

The Carolina Panthers have made significant roster changes due to injuries, as reported by Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. The team announced on Saturday that Deven Thompkins has been signed from the practice squad to the active roster. This move comes after running back Miles Sanders was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury, leaving a vacancy on the Panthers’ 53-man roster.

Sanders sustained an ankle injury during the second quarter of a recent game held in Germany, prior to the team’s bye week. He did not participate in practice throughout the week and had already been ruled out for the upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 27-year-old running back has accumulated 38 carries for 139 yards and one touchdown so far this season. His touchdown was scored during a Week 3 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

To compensate for Sanders’ absence, the Panthers elevated wide receiver Deven Thompkins to the active roster. Thompkins had previously been temporarily elevated from the practice squad over the past two weeks, stepping in as additional depth at the receiver position. This was largely due to the absence of Adam Thielen, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Thielen is expected to return for Sunday’s game.

Additionally, the Panthers have made other roster adjustments. They have promoted wide receiver Shi Smith and outside linebacker Brandon Smith from the practice squad under the standard elevation for the week. This marks the first of a maximum of three elevations permitted for each player.

Moreover, the Panthers have also announced that outside linebacker Shaq Thompson has been downgraded from doubtful to out for the upcoming game. Thompson had recently completed the first week of practice after opening his three-week window for a return from a torn ACL sustained last year on Christmas Eve.