Panthers' Luke Kuechly still not cleared to return to practice

Luke Kuechly attended Carolina Panthers practice Thursday, but didn't sport pads and was held out of all contact drills, a clear indication he remains in the NFL's concussion protocol.

Kuechly was injured in Week 1 and the Panthers are taking things very slowly with their $64-million linebacker.

He could still be cleared in time to play in Week 3, but the chances of that diminish by the hour.