Rookie Chris Thompson will miss the remainder of the preseason with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. (Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post)

Rookie running back Chris Thompson will be placed on the season-ending injured reserve list and will have surgery to correct a torn labrum in his left shoulder, Coach Mike Shanahan said.

Thompson, a fifth-round pick out of Florida State, opened the season as the team’s kick and punt returner. But he struggled in that capacity and has been inactive the last six games.

Thompson got hurt in the third preseason game, but didn’t miss any time. Shanahan said that the shoulder injury has been “ongoing.”

This is Thomas’ third consecutive season cut short by injury. He missed his junior year at Florida State because of a broken back, and then tore his anterior cruciate ligament as a senior.