Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble was ruled out after being evaluated for a concussion following a brutal hit from Bears safety Jaquan Brisker.
With less than three minutes to play in the first half, and the Panthers down 14-7, Tremble caught a 9-yard reception from Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton and fumbled the ball when he took a hard hit by Brisker.
Tremble, 24, was questionable to return, and then downgraded to out, according to The Charlotte Observer.
He appeared to be knocked unconscious while his arms and legs appeared to go limp mid-air.
Tremble stayed down on the ground and was slow to get up after his fumble was recovered by Bears defensive lineman Gervon Dexter.
Bears running back D’Andre Swift scored a touchdown off of Tremble’s fumble.
Tremble was able to walk under his own power back to the locker room at Soldier Field in Chicago.
He entered Sunday’s game entered with six receptions for 52 yards in three games.
Depending on Tremble’s status, the Panthers will turn to tight ends Ja’Tavion Sanders and Feleipe Franks.
The Panthers are 1-4 after a 36-10 loss to the Bears.
They face the Falcons (3-2) in North Carolina on Oct. 13.