Carolina Panthers vow to ‘be smart about’ LB Luke Kuechly’s status

Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly has one more stage remaining in the concussion protocol before facing an independent neurologist, but his status for Sunday’s game against Houston remains in doubt.

Kuechly joined the Panthers late into Thursday’s practice but did not participate for a second straight day. If all goes to plan, he will participate in non-contact drills Friday or Saturday before meeting with team doctors and an independent doctor.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said the team will respect the league-mandated protocol and will err on the side of caution with his All-Pro linebacker.

“This is one of those things where it’s a serious situation and we’re going to be smart about it,” Rivera said.

“It’s no different than how I would treat any other player. We did that last year with Cam (Newton) and the ribs situation and we’re going to be smart about this one because it’s a long season.”

Last year the Panthers sat Newton for the first game of the season after he cracked his ribs during the third exhibition.

One reason Rivera is being so cautious in his handling of Kuechly’s concussion is because of backlash he received last year when receiver Kelvin Benjamin was concussed. Rivera referred to Benjamin’s concussion as “mild,” which drew the ire of some NFL pundits. Benjamin passed the protocol in a week and did not miss a game.

The league has been embroiled in concussion-related litigation in recent years, so the topic is one the NFL, its teams and its coaches don’t take lightly.

Rivera said Kuechly has been “champing at the bit” to get back on the field, but he and the team must respect the protocol.

“You have to follow it,” Rivera said. “He wants to be out there in the worst kind of way. That’s who the young man is. We can’t let him get ahead of himself. And he’s also got to be upfront about everything and honest. He wants to be on the field so badly with his guys.

“When you’ve got players like that, it’s phenomenal. It’s a great feeling. But you’ve got to be careful because sometimes you have to save them from themselves.”

Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (foot) and defensive end Wes Horton (shoulder) were limited Thursday. Running back Jonathan Stewart (knee) and defensive tackle Dwan Edwards (groin) returned to full participation.

Tight end Richie Brockel (shoulder) and offensive tackle Daryl Williams (knee) did not practice.

This story was originally published September 17, 2015 at 5:14 PM with the headline "Carolina Panthers vow to ‘be smart about’ LB Luke Kuechly’s status."