Panthers LB Kuechly, WR Benjamin remain out of practice

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Panthers could be without two key players when they visit the Chicago Bears.

Three-time All-Pro middle linebacker Luke Kuechly missed his third straight day of practice Thursday with a concussion while wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin missed a second consecutive day of practice with inflammation in his left knee.

Kuechly, who missed nine games over the two previous seasons because of concussions, brought his helmet to practice but was listed as “did not practice” on the injury report. David Mayo would make his first career start if Kuechly can’t play.

Benjamin’s knee swelled this week following a shot to the knee in the team’s Oct. 12 loss to the Eagles. Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Russell Shepard and rookie Curtis Samuel would see additional action if Benjamin can’t play on Sunday.

———

For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP—NFL