CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Carolina Panthers linebacker A.J. Klein and cornerback Teddy Williams were cleared from the concussion protocol to play Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jared Allen will return as the starter at right defensive end after missing last Sunday's game at Seattle with a pinched nerve in his lower back.
Defensive tackle Dwan Edwards (ankle), linebacker Shaq Thompson (knee) and tight end Richie Brockel (hamstring) have been ruled out for the prime-time game at Bank of America Stadium.
The return of Klein after missing one game comes at a key time with Thompson out. Klein replaced Luke Kuechly for three games as the starter while the middle linebacker was in the concussion protocol.
He will replace Thompson at outside linebacker against the Eagles.
“It doesn’t matter where you put him, he’s going to know it and he’s going to play well," Kuechly said. “He’s a great guy to have on our team because he makes you feel safe."
With Edwards out, the Panthers will rotate starting left end Kony Ealy and backup end Wes Horton at tackle. The Panthers typically rely on a four-man tackle rotation that includes starters Star Lotulelei, Kawann Short, Kyle Love and Edwards.
Having Williams available is a boost to the special teams. But Rivera noted the play of Tre Boston when Williams was injured against Seattle “was pretty outstanding."
“We feel good about that situation," he said.
