All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly was forced from the Carolina Panthers season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a concussion in the second quarter Sunday afternoon.
Considering Kuechly will now have to go through the NFL's concussion protocal, his status for next week's game against the Houston Texans will be up in the air. As the Panthers' top defensive player, this could be a huge short-term blow for the defending NFC South champions.
We will keep you updated on this story throughout the week. It could act as somewhat of a boon for those of you who own Texans players on your fantasy team.
As it relates to Kuechly's ability to return to the field, the hit he laid on the play that saw him suffer a concussion was massive:
His dazed state after the play could be telling:
It will be nothing more than speculation until Kuechly goes through the aforementioned protocal.