Carolina Panthers

Luke Kuechly inactive against Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly congratulates the defense as they walk off the field against the San Diego Chargers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 11, 2016. The Panthers won 28-16.
Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly congratulates the defense as they walk off the field against the San Diego Chargers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 11, 2016. The Panthers won 28-16. dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com

Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly is inactive against the Atlanta Falcons, a league source indicated on Saturday morning.

The team later announced Kuechly among its list of inactive players.

Kuechly will now have been held out of two games since clearing the concussion protocol the Saturday before Carolina’s Monday Night Football game at Washington. He previously spent three weeks in the protocol after being carted off the field after

Ron Rivera said on Friday that he would “err on the side of caution” with Kuechly, in terms of considering both the Panthers’ diminished postseason hopes and Kuechly’s long-term health.

Kuechly said this week that he wanted to play, but would respect his both his coach and team doctors’ decision.

Other inactive players for the Panthers are wide receiver Brenton Bersin, running back Cameron Artis-Payne, linebacker Jeremy Cash, defensive tackle Kyle Love and defensive end Ryan Delaire.

Jourdan Rodrigue: 704-358-5071, @jourdanrodrigue

This story was originally published December 24, 2016 at 11:06 AM with the headline "Luke Kuechly inactive against Atlanta Falcons."

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