CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly practiced Wednesday for the first time since leaving the field in tears with a concussion late in a Nov. 17 home game against New Orleans.
The three-time Pro Bowl selection still hasn't been cleared from the protocol, so his status for Sunday's home game against San Diego remains in question.
But coach Ron Rivera said Kuechly has advanced to the next stage of the protocol and will be re-evaluated by the medical staff Thursday.
He added there never has been any consideration of sitting Kuechly the final four games now that the Panthers (4-8) are all but out of playoff contention.