Injured Panthers LB Luke Kuechly offers thumbs up in Instagram post

One day after emotionally rent linebacker Luke Kuechly was carted off the field to be evaluated for a concussion, there was an encouraging sign the Carolina Panthers star could be OK.

Thomas Davis, Kuechly's Pro Bowl wingmate, on Friday posted a picture on Instagram of the duo in the locker room with Kuechly smiling while flashing a thumbs up sign.

"Luke wanted me to let you guys know that he's doing fine and thanks for your prayers!!" wrote Davis.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said that Kuechly remains in the concussion protocol but that he's not being treated for any other injuries even though he was hit in the chest and appeared to tweak his knee while being hit in the head Thursday night.

Kuechly, the NFL defensive player of the year in 2013 and currently the league leader with 102 tackles, was hurt while trying to make a stop in the fourth quarter of Carolina's 23-20 win against the New Orleans Saints. He was visibly upset while awaiting the cart on the field, failing to hold back tears while attempting to catch his breath.

Rivera addressed the outpouring of sympathy directed at three-time all-pro Kuechly, who is 25. Several Panthers surrounded him before he was taken off the field, while a few Saints, including quarterback Drew Brees, also paid their respects.

Kuechly has also been a hot topic on social media.

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"Here’s a guy that’s a warrior. He loves the game," said Rivera. "It was an emotional time for him, and it was an emotional time for his teammates. Because his teammates know how important it is to him. He’s a very important player for us, as are all of our guys. I appreciate the outpouring, I really do, because he does mean a lot to the organization and to the community as well.”

Kuechly missed three games last season due to a concussion.

“It’s tough. You could see it on his face that he was pretty visibly upset,” Carolina tight end Greg Olsen said after the game. “It’s hard. It’s one of your buddies, one of your guys pretty shaken up. It’s tough. You just hope he’s OK. That’s really all we can do. The doctors will do what they feel is best.”

Contributing: Lorenzo Reyes

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Follow Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis

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