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NFL

Ron Rivera on LB Luke Kuechly: 'He doesn't need to practice'

By FoxSports
Published | Updated
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Jul 27, 2013; Spartanburg, SC USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) talks with defensive coordinator Sean McDermott at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Much has been made about linebacker Luke Kuechly missing practice all week while going through the concussion protocol. While his status for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans is still up in the air, head coach Ron Rivera had some good news for fans, per David Newton of ESPN.

"Luke doesn't need to practice, I promise you that much right now," Rivera told ESPN about his two-time Pro Bowl selection. "He's a smart football player. He understands and knows the game."

Now, Rivera did clarify that a bit, by saying that practice would take Kuechly to another level.

"To be able to play effectively, to play to his ability, he probably doesn't need to practice. To play as a great, great, great player, yeah, he probably needs to practice."

Regardless, it's probably a safe bet that the fans, and the team, would happily take an effective Kuechly over no Kuechly at all on Sunday.

(h/t ESPN)