Report: Luke Kuechly to have shoulder surgery
By Jason Evans
Luke Kuechly will undergo surgery on a partially torn labrum in his shoulder.
Thomas Davis isn’t the only stud Carolina Panthers linebacker who needed surgery. Davis played in the Super Bowl just two weeks after breaking his arm and it turns out his partner-in-crime in the Panther linebacker corps was playing hurt as well.
According to the Charlotte Observer, All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly will undergo surgery to repair a partial tear in the labrum of his right shoulder. He should be ready for training camp, but may not be for OTAs or for off-season workouts either.
Kuechly injured his shoulder during the Week 17 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had a brace on that shoulder throughout the playoffs.
Even with the shoulder injury, Kuechly had 10 tackles against the Seattle Seahawks during the divisional round of the playoffs with an interception for a touchdown, eight tackles with another pick six against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship game and 10 tackles with a sack during the Super Bowl loss to the Denver Broncos.
The fourth-year pro had another outstanding season for the Panthers. Even with missing three games due to a concussion, he amassed 113 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles and four interceptions.
The Panthers and their fans shouldn’t worry about Kuechly, though. If he misses OTAs and offseason workouts, it shouldn’t hinder him too much. It’s not like he’s a rookie or has to adjust his game to a new scheme next season.
He’s the leader of the defense and he’ll be ready come Week 1 against whomever the Panthers may face. That’s more important.