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Panther offers gummy bears to help Luke Kuechly clear concussion protocol
The Carolina Panthers are rolling without Luke Kuechly, who suffered a severe concussion in Week 1, but teammate Josh Norman knows they'll need the former Defensive Player of the Year to remain unbeaten.
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Kuechly told reporters Wednesday he's "close" to returning to the middle of Carolina's linebacker corps, but first he'll have to pass the NFL's concussion protocol. So, Norman, the cornerback who was cleared for Week 1 after suffering a concussion in the preseason finale, offered his assistance, via ESPN.com.
“I gave him some gummy bears to give to the lady," said Norman, referring to the independent neurology consultant who must give the two-time Pro Bowl linebacker final clearance before he can resume practicing.
“I know she’s listening. So I know you’re going to get them."
What, they don't have gummy panthers? C'mon, Haribo, you're not capitalizing on the Carolina market. And nice try, Norman, but everybody knows neurology consultants are into Smarties and Nerds.
Nothing like squishy treats to convince "the lady" your brain isn't mush. Just hope this isn't her response. It might help Kuechly more if he can remember the theme to Disney's "Adventures of the Gummi Bears."
Or if he can listen to the entirety of "The Gummy Bear Song" without suffering a severe headache. But NFL players should probably hope neurologists aren't swayed by rainbow-colored candies.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera is holding out hope the bye week will give Kuechly ample time to recover before they visit the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 18. Nothing like a little Marshawn Lynch to welcome Kuechly back from a concussion. But maybe Lynch can offer him some Skittles as consolation.
Thankfully, the Panthers are not scheduled to face the Baltimore Ravens this season, so Kuechly and Norman won't have to go against one of their own, noted gummy bear endorser Joe Flacco.
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is a contributor for Ball Don't Lie and Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at rohrbach_ben@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @brohrbach
