ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Shaq Thompson understood what he was signing up for in Buffalo.

“I knew my role coming in,” Thompson.

After 10 seasons with the Panthers, the veteran linebacker knew he was joining a Bills team that already had Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard. Thompson embraced and is embracing that role behind them, also enjoying the chance to reunite with Sean McDermott, who was his defensive coordinator in Carolina early on in his career.

“My role was to come in, learn the defense … and was just being there for support and, 'Hey, when your number is called, let’s be ready,' ” Thompson said.

Thompson has been ready when called upon, playing in seven games and posting 32 tackles. His importance to the defense is set to increase with the captain, Bernard, out at least this week wi

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