Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) catches a touchdown pass against Cincinnati Bengals strong safety George Iloka in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) (The Associated Press)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Panthers rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin has missed his second straight day of practice with a concussion, raising concerns about his availability for Sunday's game at Green Bay.
Coach Ron Rivera says the standout rookie is in the concussion protocol and will meet with independent doctors Friday to determine if he's ready to play against the Packers.
Rivera says if Benjamin can't play it would be a "considerable" loss for the Panthers "in light of who he is for us."
The first-round draft pick from Florida State has emerged as Carolina's best wide receiver. He leads all rookies with 416 yards receiving on 31 catches, including four touchdowns.
Rivera earlier this week termed Benjamin's concussion as "mild" after taking a shot to his helmet from Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict on Sunday.
___
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.