Luke Kuechly will miss his third consecutive game as the star linebacker remains in concussion protocol the day before the Panthers’ Week 14 game against the Chargers, the Charlotte Observer reports.
He was listed as a full participation at Friday’s practice after being limited early in the week, but Saturday’s news suggests he failed a final test with an independent neurologist.
Kuechly suffered the concussion when he collided with Saints running back Tim Hightower in the Panthers’ 23-20 win over New Orleans on Thursday, Nov. 17.
MORE: Week 14 picks against the spread
Carolina has lost two straight games since then and its defense has allowed 35 and 40 points at the Raiders and at the Seahawks, respectively. Fourth-year linebacker A.J. Klein has been starting in Kuechly’s place.
The Panthers defense will also be without defensive end Charles Johnson (hamstring) on Sunday, but safety Kurt Coleman and rookie cornerback Daryl Worley have both cleared concussion protocol and are expected to play.
With the defending NFC champion Panthers 4-8 on the season and the Chargers 5-7, the most significant impact of Kuechly and his defensive teammates’ absences may be on the first week of the fantasy football playoffs. Chargers offensive players Philip Rivers, Melvin Gordon, Travis Benjamin, Tyrell Williams and Antonio Gates all should benefit.