Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly will have to be a spectator again. Kuechly, who’s still in the NFL’s concussion protocol, is inactive for Sunday’s matchup with the Saints. The move was all but assured Friday when the Panthers listed him as doubtful.

A.J. Klein will again fill in for Kuechly, who missed the first game of his pro and college career last week. Klein had four tackles and an interception in 58 snaps against the Texans.

Receiver Kevin Norwood is inactive for the second time in three weeks. With Jerricho Cotchery out with a high ankle sprain, the Panthers promoted Brenton Bersin from the practice squad on Saturday to act as the fourth receiver. Joe Webb will be the No. 5 wideout.

A week after he was down, rookie running back Cameron Artis-Payne gets a jersey on a wet day in Charlotte.

Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei is also set to make his season debut. Colin Cole, who played the fewest snaps of the defensive tackles the first two weeks, is inactive.

PANTHERS INACTIVES

• RB Brandon Wegher
• WR Jerricho Cotchery
• WR Kevin Norwood
• OT Daryl Williams
• DT Colin Cole
• LB Luke Kuechly
• S Dean Marlowe

SAINTS INACTIVES

• QB Drew Brees
• DB Keenan Lewis
• S Jairus Byrd
• DE Obum Gwacham
• LB Dannell Ellerbe
• DE Kaleb Eulls
• G Jahri Evans