Panthers' Kuechly remains in protocol despite reports he avoided concussion

Despite reports to the contrary, Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly remains in concussion protocol after exiting Thursday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, team spokesman Steven Drummond clarified Sunday.

League sources had informed ESPN's Adam Schefter that the Panthers believed Kuechly did not suffer a concussion and that he was in line to play in Week 7.

Kuechly was pulled from Thursday's game and was placed in concussion protocol after a collision with Eagles guard Brandon Brooks. It was believed Kuechly had suffered his third concussion in as many years, but defensive coordinator/assistant coach Steve Wilks said he felt "perfectly fine" afterward.

The sixth-year pro missed the final six weeks of last season after being carted off the field with a concussion in a Week 11 contest.