CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Middle linebacker Luke Kuechly isn’t the only first-round pick the Carolina Panthers could be without for Sunday’s home opener against the Houston Texans.
Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, taken with the 14th pick of the 2013 draft a year after Kuechly was the ninth pick, is questionable after he was initially optimistic he would return earlier in the week.
Kuechly is doubtful as he remains in the concussion protocol. A final decision will come today, but it appears he will not play.
It also appears the Panthers are leaning toward playing Lotulelei.
Lotulelei missed all four preseason games and Sunday’s opener against Jacksonville with a stress reaction on his right foot that was surgically repaired in January. He arrived at practice on Friday without a helmet and appearing to favor the right foot.
Coach Ron Rivera said Lotulelei “had a good day’’ in his limited participation in practice. He also said “we’ll see’’ when asked if Lotulelei would play.
Conditioning will be a factor. Lotulelei hasn’t had a week of full participation since the first week of training camp when the injury surfaced.
That also will be a factor when deciding if backup tight end/fullback Richie Brockel (shoulder) plays. Brockel was in pads on Friday for the first time in several weeks, but he was listed as questionable.
Kyle Love would start for Lotulelei as he did in the 20-9 victory at Jacksonville.
A.J. Klein would start for Kuechly. That means rookie David Mayo would be active to play the special teams role that Klein had.
The Panthers also are strongly considering activating wide receiver Kevin Norwood, who was acquired in a trade with Seattle the week before the final preseason game.
Norwood has picked up the offense well and his repetitions have picked up in practice after he was inactive against Jacksonville. Rivera said the goal would be to play him about 18 snaps.
That potentially could increase if the Panthers continue to struggle with dropped passes. They had three against the Jaguars after six thrown by starting quarterback Cam Newton were dropped during the preseason.
