What It Means:

He was already in the concussion protocol, but that doesn't always indicate that a player has suffered a concussion. Kuechly may receive a second opinion from concussion specialist Dr. Mickey Collins. Per Schefter, it's "hard to imagine" Kuechly being cleared for next week's game. This is Kuechly's second concussion in as many seasons.

While not quite as impressive as last season, the Panthers defense has been playing well this year, and entered Thursday night ranked 10th in Adjusted Defensive Net Expected Points per play.