Luke Kuechly won't take the field for the Panthers' last game of the season.
The team announced on Tuesday the linebacker will be kept out of Sunday's season finale against the Buccaneers as a precaution. He sustained a concussion in Week 11, and hasn't played since.
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Kuechly cleared the concussion protocol on Dec. 17, but was still held back from the field. Since the Panthers didn't make the playoff, coach Ron Rivera said he wants to take care of Kuechly for the long term.
“Going forward, it's what's best for him,” Rivera said on “Movin’ the Chains” on SiriusXM. “It's what's best for the organization.”
Kuechly also missed three games last season due to a concussion.