2. Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers
Luke Kuechly ranked in the top 5 of tackles in each of the last three seasons—leading the NFL twice—but won’t return to his middle linebacker position during Week 3. The Boston College product exited the season opener due to a head injury, which has since been diagnosed as a concussion.
There’s no question Kuechly’s absence is a disappointment and creates a major void. Though Carolina’s standout defensive tackle Star Lotulelei is probable to play and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is out, missing a player of Kuechly’s caliber could prove detrimental against a bulldozing running back in Mark Ingram.