Luke Kuechly suffers first Carolina Panthers training camp injury scare
Luke Kuechly gives Carolina Panthers first injury scare of training camp.
Once the Carolina Panthers decided not to re-sign veteran linebacker Thomas Davis, Luke Kuechly unofficially accepted the responsibility as sole defensive captain. A role with which he is extremely familiar, 2019 will be the first full season where he plays without a veteran presence alongside. Now the indisputable cornerstone of a reconstructed Carolina defense, Kuechly is more than capable of accepting the position.
After suffering multiple concussions in the past few seasons, his long-term health remains an issue as the propensity of a repeat injury increases. Anytime Kuechly is on the field in non-game situations it has to be a worrisome endeavor for those who rely on him to be available each and every time the Panthers need a stop.
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Unfortunately, after becoming entangled as part of a pile up in practice on Wednesday, Kuechly was removed and no one seems to know exactly why. One of many former first-round picks currently on the roster, Kuechly continues to be a force in the defensive middle but needs to remain healthy in order for the unit to reach their full potential.
The five-time All Pro nominee and Pro Bowl invite during each season but his rookie campaign, Kuechly has amassed quite the track record during his tenure. Seemingly in on nearly every tackle the Panthers defense makes during the course of a game, Kuechly being absent from the defense is a significant loss.
No definite reason was given for his departure and although it was reported he asked to re-join practice, the Carolina medical staff suggested otherwise. Hopefully, the potential future Hall of Fame candidate is okay and won’t miss any significant time.
His status moving forward will definitely be something to watch as the Panthers continue to prepare for the upcoming season with training camp this week.