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Carolina Panthers star middle linebacker Luke Kuechly will play against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday as long he gets cleared from the NFL concussion protocol, coach Ron Rivera said on Friday. Kuechly missed the past two games after suffering a concussion against the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 17. He was a full participant in Friday's practice and is slated to meet with the medical stuff on Saturday.
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Carolina listed Kuechly as questionable on Friday's injury report.
Two other Panthers, strong safety Kurt Coleman and cornerback Daryl Worley, also are hoping of being cleared from the concussion protocol on Saturday.
"If they proceed accordingly, then hopefully everything is fine," Rivera told reporters. "You always keep your fingers crossed."
The Panthers (4-8) badly need Kuechly's service as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive. Carolina allowed 534 yards in last Sunday's 40-7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and gave up 75 points and 900 yards in the two games he missed.
To say they missed the standout is an understatement.
"Anytime you've got your leader out there, it's a doggone good thing," Rivera said.
Three Carolina players have been ruled out for Sunday -- defensive end Charles Johnson (hamstring), linebacker David Mayo (concussion) and right tackle Daryl Williams (ankle).
Coleman, Worley and defensive end Mario Addison (foot) are questionable.
The Panthers also released cornerback Robert McClain and signed linebacker Ben Jacobs.
