Why is Luke Kuechly even thinking about playing?

Carolina Panther fans are passionately debating whether their all-pro linebacker should return to action Sunday against the San Diego Chargers. Kuechly has missed the last two games with his second concussion in two years, and his team is not going to the playoffs for the first time since 2012. So why is Luke considering it when even clearance by an independent neurologist is not foolproof?

In football, the unwritten rule is three concussions before a player becomes a serious candidate to sustain permanent brain damage that could result in a post-death diagnosis of CTE. With his team having an awful season, Kuechly’s long-term future and health after he retires is dependent on a complete recovery from this concussion and preventative measures in having a recurrence after the hit that drove him to tears three weeks ago.

Panther fans love their studly linebacker, perhaps the best at his position in the NFL. But do they want to have him around for another five seasons or so? Then let him sit out the rest of the 2016 campaign, undergo the best diagnostic and rehabilitative treatment over the spring and summer and be ready to go in 2017. More contact to the head during the balance of a meaningless schedule is really taking a risk, according to some medical experts.

Fans who disagree are being irresponsible in their support of Kuechly. He has zero to gain and perhaps everything to lose by getting back into the game so soon. The Panthers could still finish 8-8, and while they are not mathematically out of the playoffs with a 4-8 record, their odds of over overtaking Atlanta or Tampa Bay in the NFC South are remote. Landing a wildcard spot is also unlikely.

So why play Kuechly, and why should Kuechly play for the rest of the season? The former Boston College All-American has earned reputation of not only being one of the toughest and best players in pro football, he is also one of the smartest. Getting back on the field during the balance of this season, however, would not be very smart.

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