According to sources, the Carolina Panthers had to send players home on Monday due to a “significant amount” of them testing positive for COVID-19.
Those players added to the NFL’s reserve/COVID list were defensive ends Brian Burns and Marquis Haynes Sr., defensive tackles Phil Hoskins and Daviyon Nixon, linebacker Shaq Thompson, and center Matt Paradis. Nixon and Paradis already were on season-ending IR. The Panthers have a total of 14 players on the list, including eight who were already out for Sunday’s 32-6 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Coach Matt Rhule noted that there is a shortage in many key positions and that the team is looking at options to sign replacement players for Sundays’ matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
“We brought guys in last week and they had COVID,” Rhule said. “They tested negative at their previous spot and had COVID when they got here. It’s kind of a unique puzzle.
“But yes, we’re exploring any and all options to make sure we have a full team that can go play Sunday as well as we possibly can.”
Rhule has not yet spoken to his quarterbacks and because players were sent home, he did not comment about naming a starter for Sunday until midweek, at which point he will be “definitive.”
Signal caller Cam Newton fell to 0-5 Sunday as the starter this season. Backup Sam Darnold, the only Panther quarterback under contract in 2022, finished the game.
Rhule also stated that the coaches remained at the facility on Monday, but will work from their offices.
Panthers that were on the COVID-19 list on Sunday were: wide receiver Brandon Zylstra, cornerback Rashaan Melvin, center Pat Elflein, offensive lineman Dennis Daley, defensive ends Austin Larkin and Azur Kamara, safety Sam Franklin and quarterback Matt Barkley.
