Luke Kuechly not cleared, likely out Sunday for Panthers

Bob Hille

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Luke Kuechly not cleared, likely out Sunday for Panthers image

Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly (concussion) didn't practice again Thursday, and coach Ron Rivera told reporters his team is planning to be without the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. 

The Panthers (3-0) had hoped Kuechly, injured in Week 1 against the Jaguars, would be back at practice Wednesday, but he remained sidelined and doesn't appear any closer to returning this week.

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However, if an independent consultant clears Kuechly at the last minute, he would be ready, Rivera said.

"He knows what the game plan is," Rivera said of Kuechly (via ESPN). "He gets an opportunity to look at it. He gets an opportunity to look at tape. He listens in at all the meetings.

"Just going through the protocol."

According to ESPN Stats & Information, the average number of missed games for linebackers who suffered concussions in 2014 was three, and several missed more than three.

After Sunday's game, the Panthers have a bye, meaning Kuechly would have until the Oct. 18 game at Seattle to be cleared.

Bob Hille

Bob Hille Photo

Bob Hille, a senior content consultant for The Sporting News, has been part of the TSN team for most of the past 30 years, including as managing editor and executive editor. He is a native of Texas (forever), adopted son of Colorado, where he graduated from Colorado State, and longtime fan of “Bull Durham” (h/t Annie Savoy for The Sporting News mention).