While it's unfortunate it happened this way, the injury to Thompson gives the Carolina Panthers no choice but to start rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace, who was their most-promising defender during training camp.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales gave a fiery locker room speech after Carolina got its first win of the season against the Raiders.

Trevin Wallace said he has one responsibility that trumps all the others when he makes his first start Sunday against the Chicago Bears. That responsibility isn’t about replacing Shaq Thompson, the veteran inside linebacker who tore his Achilles last week and is presumed out for the year.

Carolina vets like Jadeveon Clowney and Jaycee Horn showed their trust in Wallace, who will call the defense this week.