CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers announced Friday that defensive linebacker Luke Kuechly has been cleared to play in Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
[GAME PREVIEW: Bucs, Panthers aim to heat up for NFC South race]
Team officials said Kuechly is no longer in concussion protocol. He entered the protocol after taking a hit around the neck area during the Philadelphia Eagles game. He missed last Sunday’s game against the Bears.
Kuechly participated fully in practice this week and is listed as questionable on the injury report but is expected to play.
[PAST COVERAGE: Panthers' Kuechly deals with concussions issues for 3rd straight year]
It marks the third straight year the former Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year has dealt with concussion issues, which have cost him nine games over the past two seasons. Additionally, it followed the scary visual from last season when Kuechly was carted off the field while sobbing uncontrollably.
(2016 season)
Kuechly has only missed one game in the NFL concussion protocol so far this season.
In November, Channel 9 reported on a possible groundbreaking new treatment in Charlotte that's trying to reverse the damage from concussions.
[9 Investigates: Charlotte doctor claims treatment headed toward concussion cure]
In our investigation, we discovered the treatment sends the brain a better pattern to imitate, and that helps players overcome problems such as confusion, depression and rage.
Some of the athletes have reported incredible results.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
- Troopers identify driver killed in crash that shut down I-485 for hours
- Police identify Rock Hill man who crashed truck, died of gunshot wound
- VIDEO: Vicki Graf's weekend outlook
- Navy rescues 2 women, dog stranded for 5 months in Pacific Ocean
- Tanker plows through I-485 cable barrier, crashes into woods
- Suspect arrested in murders of elderly couples playing cards
Cox Media Group
