CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- David Mayo tries not to think about being the guy that would replace Pro Bowler Luke Kuechly should the Carolina Panthers middle linebacker suffer an injury this season.
He knows there’s a possibility, mind you. Kuechly has missed nine games over the past two seasons dealing with concussions.
Mayo just prefers not to think about that.
But Mayo, a fifth-round pick in 2015, has proven during the preseason that he’s ready to fill Kuechly’s big shoes if necessary. He had arguably the best preseason of any non-starter on defense, leading the team with 25 tackles.