The Sports Xchange

Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans and remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol.

Kuechly sustained a concussion late in the first half of Week 1’s 20-9 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The All-Pro linebacker was present at Friday’s practice but did not participate in any drills.

Kuechly, who signed a $62 million contract extension last week, hasn’t been cleared by team doctors and the independent neurologist.

“We’ll get the answer tomorrow,” Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Friday. “Whatever the independent says, that’s what we’re going with.”

Third-year linebacker A.J. Klein would start in the middle if Kuechly isn’t cleared.

During his three years at Boston College and through three-plus seasons as a pro, Kuechly has never missed a game.