CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Panthers coach Ron Rivera says middle linebacker Luke Kuechly has been placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol and his status for the team’s Nov. 27 game against Oakland is uncertain.
Rivera said Kuechly has no other known injuries.
The 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year was carted off the field in an emotional moment during the fourth quarter of Carolina’s 23-20 win over the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night. Kuechly appeared to be gasping for breath as he was helped to the cart, and tears rolled down his face. Players from both sides came over to offer their well wishes to Kuechly.
Kuechly spent 34 days last season in the concussion protocol and missed three games.
Rivera described Kuechly’s second known career concussion “concerning.”
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