Panthers’ Luke Kuechly leaves game, enters concussion protocol

Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly was ruled out of Thursday night's game against the Eagles after suffering an injury late in the first half.

After the Eagles ran a second-and-4 play from Carolina's 6-yard line, Kuechly had to be helped off the field after taking a hit to the head from Philadelphia offensive lineman Brandon Brooks. On the play, Kuechly's head slammed into Brooks' body, and the linebacker looked a little woozy as he headed to the sideline.

After leaving the field, Kuechly was immediately taken to the locker room, where he was evaluated for a concussion. The Panthers announced in the third quarter that Kuechly wouldn't be returning to the game and that he would officially be entering the NFL's concussion protocol.  Many of the Carolina players weren't aware Kuechly was in the protocol until after the game. Quarterback Cam Newton said he played most of the game not knowing Kuechly was out.

The injury is potentially bad news for a player who has a history with concussions. The Panthers linebacker missed the final six games of the 2016 season after suffering a concussion in Week 10 last year. That injury also came in a Thursday game.

How long he'll be out remains unknown. Because the Panthers don't play for 10 days, there's a chance Kuechly could be back for the Oct. 22 game at the Chicago Bears.