Panthers LB Luke Kuechly recovering from shoulder surgery

Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly underwent shoulder surgery after the season ended, according to several published reports, and is recovering from the procedure, The Charlotte Observer reported Monday.

Kuechly recently underwent the procedure on his right shoulder, according to sources. He missed the Pro Bowl in late January because of an unspecified injury.

The Ohio native was in Minneapolis earlier this month during Super Bowl week to receive the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award after playing in 15 of 16 regular-season games for the Panthers in 2017.

The 26-year-old Kuechly is the first player in team history the finish a season with at least 100 tackles in each of his first six seasons.

The Panthers have yet to estimate a time for Kuechly's return.

Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers underwent surgery to repair a turn labrum in his right shoulder last week.

Two years earlier, Kuechly had shoulder surgery for a torn labrum after the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl over the Panthers.