CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman has resorted to bribery to get middle linebacker Luke Kuechly cleared from the concussion protocol.

“I gave him some gummy bears to give to the lady," said Norman, referring to the independent neurology consultant who must give the two-time Pro Bowl linebacker final clearance before he can resume practicing.

“I know she’s listening. So I know you’re going to get them."

Norman got cleared by the “lady" after suffering a concussion in the final preseason game. He was on the field practicing less than a week later. He played a big role in the opener, returning an interception for a touchdown in the 20-9 victory at Jacksonville.

Luke Kuechly has yet to be cleared from the concussion he sustained in Week 1. Phil Sears/USA TODAY Sports

Kuechly hasn’t practiced since suffering a concussion late in the first half of that game. He is scheduled to meet with the independent consultant sometime between now and when the Panthers (4-0) return from a long bye-weekend break on Tuesday.

If cleared, he’ll return to face the two-time defending NFC champion Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 18. Carolina’s only loss in the last 10 games, including two playoff games, was at Seattle in last season’s divisional playoff game.

Norman has played at a high level with Kuechly gone. He was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for September and began October with a two-interception performance against Tampa Bay.

His four interceptions are more than the total of 20 NFL teams. But Norman believes he can play even better and that having Kuechly back would help him accomplish that.

He provided the gummy bears help make that happen.

“Hopefully he’ll be back with us," Norman said. “Man, just ball at that capacity rate. He’s a dog right there. He’s an animal. He’s a No. 1 guy. I just love playing with him. When we get him back, everything is going to be even that much better."