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Panthers' Oher still in concussion protocol, working hard toward return

Grant Halverson / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Michael Oher doesn't want the final chapter of his football story - a tale that was featured in the acclaimed movie "The Blind Side" - to be a concussion.

Though the Carolina Panthers offensive tackle has been in the NFL's concussion protocol for nearly six months now, Oher apparently remains hopeful he will play again.

Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman told the media Friday that Oher "has been working his fanny off," according to Black And Blue Review's Bill Voth.

"He's doing NFL workouts. He's fully engaged in that weight room sweating his butt off," Gettleman added. "He looks great, he sounds great."

That's encouraging to hear, but the fact that Oher has yet to be cleared for football activities is extremely worrisome. Asked if he's optimistic Oher will be cleared, Gettleman gave a non-answer.

The Panthers signed left tackle Matt Kalil to a five-year, $55-million contract in free agency, a move many at the time believed signaled the end of Oher's tenure with the Panthers and perhaps the NFL.

That is not necessarily the case, however. Oher also has experience at right tackle, and the Panthers don't exactly have a locked-in starter at that spot.

If Oher is cleared of his concussion and wishes to resume playing, he could have a shot at sticking in Carolina.

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