Scary moment at Carolina Panthers practice on Tuesday -- wide receiver Keith Kirkwood took a powerful blow to the head ... and was taken away in an ambulance.
The 27-year-old pro was going across the middle of the field attempting to catch a pass that was thrown high ... when defensive back JT Ibe launched himself into Kirkwood's head area.
Kirkwood immediately went to the ground ... with coaches and players rushing to his side.
Trainers put Kirkwood on a backboard to immobilize him as he was carted off the field and taken away in an ambulance .