54 Shaq Green-Thompson OLB

Thompson made three tackles (two solo) in Week 10's loss to the Steelers.

Thompson now boasts 55 stops through nine games, with a couple of sacks to his name as well. Although he's made at least 50 tackles in all four years of his career, his personal-best mark of 61 seems destined to be topped this season. He'll hope to pile on his tally in Week 11 versus the Lions.

Thompson recorded 13 tackles (six solo) in Sunday's win over the Ravens.

Thompson's 13 tackles were the most he's ever recorded in a single game. He's been a consistent player for Carolina, though he hasn't had prolific stat lines very often. Looking ahead, Thompson and the Panthers will take on the Buccaneers in Week 9.

Thompson logged nine tackles (five solo) and a sack across 64 defensive snaps in Sunday's win over the Cowboys.

Coming into the game, Thompson had recorded three career sacks in three NFL seasons, so it was rewarding to see the linebacker flourish under new defensive coordinator Eric Washington. With Thomas Davis suspended for the first four games of the season, this is the perfect opportunity for Thompson to prove this could be his breakout year.

Thompson will play in nickel packages while Thomas Davis serves a four-game suspension to start the season, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Thompson started all 14 games he played last season, but he frequently came off the field when the Panthers deployed their nickel defense. He figures to handle a three-down for at least the first four weeks of the 2018 campaign, creating potential for solid IDP production until Davis returns.

The Panthers exercised Thompson's fifth-year option on Tuesday.

This has been the plan for almost a month now, and it's finally set in stone. In 2017, Thompson picked up 61 tackles (41 solo) and two sacks, but he'll likely expand his role further in 2018 as Carolina prepares for veteran linebacker Thomas Davis to retire after the season.