Luke Kuechly

Luke Kuechly out of concussion protocol, may practice with Panthers Tuesday

Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to practice with the team Tuesday, according to Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer.

What It Means:

Kuechly has been out since suffering the concussion late in the first half of the Panthers' Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jones noted that Kuechly likely won't play 100 percent of the snaps in Week 6 as he ramps up his conditioning.

Without Kuechly, the Panthers are currently 27th in Adjusted Defensive Rushing Net Expected Points (NEP) per play. The timing couldn't be any better with a matchup against the Seattle Seahawks approaching. Seattle enters Week 6 ranked seventh in Adjusted Rushing NEP per play, and they are expected to get running back Marshawn Lynch back from injury. Lynch led the league in Rushing NEP last season.