CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly has been ruled out for Sunday's NFC South game at Tampa Bay because of a concussion.
It will be the third straight game Kuechly has missed after suffering the concussion late in the first half of the Sept. 13 opener at Jacksonville.
Coach Ron Rivera listed Kuechly as doubtful on the Friday prior to the past two games, both at home. He said the move to list him as out was made because Kuechly is not a part of the travel plans.
Kuechly has not been at practice this week after being scheduled to meet with the independent neuro consultant on Tuesday. He attended practices last week in shorts and a baseball cap.
Rivera said Kuechly worked most of the week inside with trainer Ryan Vermillion.
"There were some things he did with the trainer," Rivera said. "It's what Ryan thought would be a good course of action."
Rivera said Kuechly has not suffered a setback "as far as I know."
Kuechly will have had more than a month to recover, including a bye week following Sunday's game. The next game he potentially could return in would be Oct. 18 at Seattle.