The Carolina Panthers will face one of the NFL’s top rushing offenses without their top tackler and defensive leader.
Middle linebacker Luke Kuechly has been ruled out for Sunday’s game at Chicago while he remains in the concussion protocol.
This marks the third consecutive season in which Kuechly will have missed at least one game because of a concussion.
Meanwhile, Panthers No. 1 wideout Kelvin Benjamin is expected to play Sunday, despite being listed as questionable with a knee issue.
Benjamin returned to practice Friday after missing the previous two days. Benjamin developed swelling in his bursa sac last week after taking a hit on his knee against Philadelphia.