Panthers DC planning to 'cut down' on Thomas Davis' snaps

The Carolina Panthers will see what they can do about keeping one of their star linebackers fresh as he approaches the latter stages of his NFL career.

Making use of the club's depth at the position, defensive coordinator Steve Wilks told reporters Monday that it will be important to limit Thomas Davis' snap count this season.

"With Thomas Davis getting up there in age and years, we've got to cut down on his reps," Steve Wilks said Monday. "So there will be times where Shaq (Thompson) is going to be in, and we're going to try to relieve Thomas to give him some rest."

The 34-year-old will certainly still have a lead role for the Carolina defense, but monitoring his snaps could be a crucial factor in helping him maintain the level of production he's enjoyed over the last five seasons.

Being able to rotate linebackers next to Luke Kuechly without a major dropoff is a luxury the Panthers have thanks to their first-round investment in Thompson back in 2015. All indications are that Davis is on board.

"Thomas is a team player, and he understands the long season and the wear and tear on his body over the years," Wilks added. "It's just a benefit for him."

Davis has racked up more than 100 tackles in each of the five seasons since returning from his third major knee injury, also racking up a total of 14.5 sacks, 10 interceptions, and a pair of Pro Bowl nods over that stretch.

Thompson's opportunity for an increased role comes on the heels of a promising pair of seasons to open his pro career. Suiting up for 28 games, the former Washington standout totaled 106 tackles, one interception, and seven passes defensed.