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Saints’ defense shuts down Panthers; Shaq Thompson out indefinitely

By WSOCTV.com News Staff

New Orleans Saints v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 18: Shaq Thompson #7 of the Carolina Panthers talks with Bryce Young #9 as he is carted off the field against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter in the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

By WSOCTV.com News Staff

Tony Jones Jr. ran for two touchdowns, rookie Blake Grupe kicked two field goals and the New Orleans Saints defeated the Carolina Panthers 20-17 on Monday night to improve to 2-0 for the first time since 2013.

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New Orleans Saints v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 18: Tony Jones Jr. #34 of the New Orleans Saints a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter in the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Jones, a practice squad elevation, replaced the injured Jamaal Williams late in the first half and ran for 34 yards on 12 carries.

The Saints defense did the rest, holding the Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young to 153 yards passing in his Monday Night Football debut.

The New Orleans defense limited Carolina to just 239 yards and sacked Young four times. The Saints nearly made it two full games without allowing a touchdown.

Shaq Thompson

Carolina Panthers inside linebacker Shaq Thompson was carted off the field with what the team said was a right ankle injury against the New Orleans Saints.

After the game, head coach Frank Reich told reporters that Thompson suffered a “significant” ankle injury and will be out indefinitely, according to Adam Schefter, ESPN Senior NFL Insider.

The team initially said he had a shin injury, then said after halftime he hurt his ankle. Thompson was injured late in the first quarter when Saints offensive lineman Trevor Penning and Panthers defensive lineman DeShawn Williams were engaged in a block and rolled up on the back of Thompson’s right leg as he was trying to make a tackle.

UPDATES: Saints defeat Panthers 20-17

The Charlotte Observer contributed to this article.

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