The Carolina Panthers have been without superstar linebacker Luke Kuechly for three games because of a concussion, but that’s about to change.
According to Jonathan Jones of The Charlotte Observer, “an independent doctor” has cleared the Boston College product, who will return to practice at a perfect moment for the 4-0 Panthers.
Source: Panthers LB Luke Kuechly has been cleared by an independent doctor and is out of the concussion protocol
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) October 13, 2015
Kuechly, who has racked up more than 150 tackles in each of his first three years, exited during the season opener. Nevertheless, Carolina has taken advantage of a weak early-season schedule—opponents have a combined 5-15 record—and jumped out to a 4-0 start.
But why is it a perfect moment? Well, the Panthers are preparing for a statement game against the Seattle Seahawks, who desperately need a victory to avoid dropping another game.
It seems a majority of NFL fans aren’t yet sold on Carolina, who despite lacking a reliable wide receiver and standout running back have amassed the league’s sixth-best scoring offense behind quarterback Cam Newton. Plus, the Panthers defense has surrendered the fourth-fewest points per game (17.8) even without their All-Pro linebacker.
The 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff on Sunday will give Kuechly and Co. a chance to prove Carolina is for real—and perhaps more importantly, potentially put more distance between itself and Seattle in the Wild Card standings.