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"He's in the protocol," coach Ron Rivera told a news
conference on Friday.
Rivera provided no other details about the injury and no
timeline over when he might return.
The protocol means a player has to be initially kept under
observation. He must then pass a medical before he can return to
action.
Kuechly, a triple Pro Bowler and the heart of the Panthers
defense, was in tears and struggling to catch his breath
following helmet-to-helmet contact as he made a tackle late in
the 23-20 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
That moment was in stark contrast to a photo posted on Friday by
team mate Thomas Davis from the Panthers locker room of him and
Kuechly smiling and giving a thumbs-up gesture.
"Luke wanted me to let you guys know that he's doing fine and
thanks for your prayers," read Davis' Instagram caption.
The 25-year-old Kuechly was also out for three games last season
after suffering concussion.
Saints running back Tim Hightower came through the line on a
four-yard run and lowered his helmet into Kuechly's facemask and
chest.
The impact drove Kuechly back and fellow linebacker Davis'
helmet struck the back of his helmet.
The 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year was carted off and
concerned players from both teams approached to wish him well.
The Panthers, last year's Super Bowl runners-up who are 4-6 this
season, have a West Coast trip coming up with games at Oakland
on Nov. 27 and at Seattle on Dec. 4.
The team plans to stay in northern California for the week
between games.
(Writing by Larry Fine in New York; Editing by Tony Jimenez)
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