Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers star linebacker Luke Kuechly was carted off late in the fourth quarter Thursday night against New Orleans to be evaluated for a possible concussion.
The three-time Pro Bowler was hurt as he tried to tackle Tim Hightower and Hightower's helmet struck him first in the facemask and then possibly the chest. Kuechly laid on the ground for a while, then sat up and appeared to visibly shaken as the cart picked him up to go to the locker room with 4:41 left.
He missed three games with a concussion last season.
Kuechly's injury was the one of several key ones Thursday night, a list that included Carolina two-time All-Pro center Ryan Kalil (shoulder) and New Orleans running back Mark Ingram (possible concussion) in the third quarter.
Kalil had missed two straight games with an injury to his right shoulder. It wasn't immediately clear which shoulder was injured Thursday.
Ingram was injured that quarter on a 13-yard run when he collided with Kurt Coleman as he went down. He laid on the ground for a few seconds before walking off slowly. Later, he headed to the locker room with someone else carrying his helmet to be evaluated for a possible concussion.
In addition, Carolina cornerback Leonard Johnson was questionable to return with a chest injury, while defensive end Mario Addison left after limping off with a right foot injury early in the fourth quarter.
Earlier in the game, Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin left briefly but returned after injuring his left shoulder.
Benjamin was been taken to the locker room early in the second quarter after landing awkwardly on his shoulder following a 19-yard reception from Cam Newton. He returned to the game with about 5:30 left in the second quarter after missing one offensive series.
___
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
