The Carolina Panthers will be without Luke Kuechly on Sunday, as the linebacker will miss the first game of his career with a concussion. Monday night football has the Jets against the Colts and both teams have players dealing with injuries in Antonio Cromartie and TY Hilton.
Kuechly suffered a concussion last week and the Panthers announced on Saturday that the linebacker did not get cleared for Sunday. Kuechly has not missed a game in three years with the Panthers and Pro Football Talk reports that AJ Klein will start for the team at middle linebacker for Kuechly and that David Mayo also could see snaps. Kuechly just signed a contract extension and he has established himself as one of the best defensive players in the league, so missing him will be a tough loss for the Panthers.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Colts are "optimistic" about TY Hilton playing on Monday night football against the New York Jets. Hilton has been dealing with a knee injury suffered in Week 1 and he missed some practice this week leading up to the game. Hilton was back in practice later in the week and he likely will be a gametime decision for the matchup.
Head coach Chuck Pagano said in his press conference that Hilton "looked good" in practice and cited the extra day of recovery for Monday night football could be helpful for Hilton. Hilton comes in after making seven catches for 88 yards in Week 1 for the Colts. According to Pro Football Talk, Antonio Cromartie was able to practice on a limited basis after dealing with a knee injury and he could be out for the Jets depending on how he looks before the game on Monday night.
PFT also reports that Star Lotulelei will be available for the Panthers after missing Week 1 of the season. Lotulelei was dealing with a foot injury and he was not ready to play in Week 1 against the Jaguars. Lotulelei was able to practice with the team on Wednesday and was limited, according to Panthers.com. Lotulelei is officially listed as questionable for the game on Sunday against the Houston Texans at home.
Check here for more on Kuechly, Hilton and Cromartie for Week 2.
