CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly returned to practice for the first time since suffering a concussion in the Carolina's season-opening win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The four-year pro spent four weeks in the NFL's concussion protocol and missed three games before being cleared to return. The Panthers had a bye last week and travel to play Seattle on Sunday.
Kuechly, wearing pads and a helmet, was first in line during individual drills on Tuesday, hitting the blocking sleds seemingly as hard as he could.
Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery also practiced after missing the last two games with a high ankle sprain.