Panthers being cautious despite Luke Kuechly's desire to play

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he will err on the side of caution when deciding whether Pro Bowl middle linebacker Luke Kuechly plays in the final two games.

Kuechly was inactive for Monday night's win at Washington even though the 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year was cleared from the concussion protocol two days earlier.

Rivera said he still hasn't made a final decision on whether Kuechly will play Saturday againstAtlantaand the following week atTampa Bay.

Kuechly's thoughts will be a factor, and he has made it clear he wants to play.

With Carolina (6-8) all but eliminated from playoff contention, Rivera appears to be leaning toward sitting Kuechly for the long-term health of his defensive leader.

Kuechly missed three games with a concussion last season and was in the concussion protocol for three more games this season before being cleared Saturday. Medical experts agree that players who have suffered a concussion are more susceptible to having another.

"I know a couple of weeks ago I was talking about if he's ready to go, we're going to roll him out there,'' Rivera said. "But I've got a lot of things to think about. I've got to make the decision that is going to be best for him and this organization going forward.

"I have to not make just the right decision, but the prudent decision. It's important we make very good decisions.''

Rivera said Kuechly took it "very tough'' when told he wouldn't play against Washington.

"He's a football player, and he wants to play in the worst way,'' he said. "But as I go through this and look at all the things, talk with the doctors, talk with everybody just making sure that at the end of the day we make the right decision.''