Kuechly clears concussion protocol, expected to play vs. Bucs

Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly cleared the concussion protocol and is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team announced.

Kuechly was listed as questionable on the team's injury report Friday.

The star linebacker suffered a concussion during an Oct. 12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and missed last Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears as a result. It was his third concussion in as many years.

Kuechly, one of the NFL's premier linebackers, has recorded 46 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception in six games this season.