Panthers LB Luke Kuechly inactive vs. Redskins despite being cleared

LANDOVER, Md. -- Carolina Panthers Pro Bowl linebacker Luke Kuechly did not play in Monday night's 26-15 win over the Washington Redskins despite being cleared from the concussion protocol.

It was the fourth straight game the 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year has missed since suffering a concussion in a Thursday night game against New Orleans.

The organization has not said whether Kuechly will play in the final two games, but that is under consideration.

The decision not to play Kuechly against Washington was made for his long-term health and because the Panthers (6-8) have only a 0.0004 percent chance of making the playoffs.

Kuechly missed three games with a concussion last season.

Coach Ron Rivera was adamant the past few weeks that if Kuechly was cleared, he would play. His tone changed Saturday after Kuechly passed the final phase of the protocol.

''We are excited to have Luke healthy and cleared from the protocol," Rivera said. "I know he is extremely motivated to get back on the field and help us win games.

"Whether he plays this week or not, I don't know. We have to balance our enthusiasm with what's best for Luke and the team long term."

Dr. Gillian Hotz, director of the concussion clinic at UHealth-University of Miami Health System, told ESPN.com there is no simple answer regarding the effect of additional rest for a player coming off a concussion.

"But the more time there is no contact ... the better time there is for all the neuro-paths to settle down,'' she said. "Also, if you have one, you are at higher risk to have another.''

The Panthers have had a league-high eight players with a total of nine concussions this season. Cornerback Daryl Worley has suffered two.

Starting left tackle Michael Oher was placed on injured reserve last month after being in the protocol since Sept. 30.