Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly has reportedly been cleared by an independent doctor and is now out of the concussion protocol, according to NFL Network reporter Rand Getlin. 

The Panthers star linebacker is reportedly "feeling great" and is expected to play this Sunday, according to Getlin. Kuechly suffered a concussion in week one against the Jacksonville Jaguars and missed the following three games. The Panthers were likely being safe with their star linebacker, especially after new studies were released last month connecting football players with brain disease.

The Panthers are undefeated and are coming off a bye week after beating NFC South rival the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Panthers travel to Seattle this weekend to face the Seahawks. Seattle is coming off a tough overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, and they will be desperate for a win after falling to 2-3.

The Panthers will need a win to keep pace with the undefeated Atlanta Falcons, who are truly looking like contenders this season. Carolina's defense has been dominant this season and is holding teams under an average of 18 points a game.

Kuechly was the 2013 NFL defensive player of the year, and Panthers head coach Ron Rivera is likely anxious to have his top defender back on the field. Last season for the Panthers, Kuechly had 153 combined tackles with three sacks and a forced fumble. Carolina's defense is arguably one of the best in the league, and Kuechly's return would solidify its linebacker core. It will be interesting to see how Kuechly plays on Sunday and if the time off has slowed him down in any way.