Panthers’ Luke Kuechly in concussion protocol

He is the sixth member of the Panthers to sustain a concussion this season.

Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly has entered the NFL’s concussion protocol after being carted off during Carolina’s win over the Saints on Thursday night, coach Ron Rivera said.

Kuechly’s head and upper body appeared to make contact on a tackle late in the fourth quarter, with his left leg also getting caught on the ground and bending awkwardly. He was seen hyperventilating and crying as he was taken off.

"It's a game I love to play so much. I'm going to play it as long as I can," Kuechly told The MMQB last October, after coming back from a concussion. "Everybody at this level makes a choice, and you know what you sign up for. I have my mind right. I know what I'm doing. I know the risks. I love the game. I'm going to keep playing it."

Teammate Thomas Davis posted a photo with Kuechly on Friday, saying that he is “doing fine.”

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He is the sixth member of the Panthers to sustain a concussion this season.

Kuechly recorded 14 tackles before leaving the game.

– Kenny Ducey