Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly didn’t miss any time down the stretch because of a left shoulder injury, but he reportedly suffered one in Week 17 that’s going to require offseason surgery.
Jonathan Jones and Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer report that Kuechly will have surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in his shoulder. Kuechly is expected to be healthy in time for training camp, but his status for the team’s offseason workouts and OTAs is unclear.
Kuechly reportedly suffered the injury late in the first half of the regular season finale and played the second half of the game with a brace. He was well enough to lead all players in tackles during the postseason and return interceptions for touchdowns against both the Seahawks and Cardinals.
Fellow starting linebacker Thomas Davis will be rehabbing from the broken forearm he suffered in the NFC championship game and defensive ends Mario Addison and Ryan Delaire are also set for shoulder surgery this offseason.