Carolina Panthers place lineman Michael Schofield on COVID-19 list
The Panthers placed offensive lineman Michael Schofield on the COVID-19/reserve list Monday, according to the NFL’s transaction wire. The Panthers later confirmed the news.
The players and staff worked virtually from home Monday after the team learned of an unconfirmed COVID-19 case. That player was re-tested to ensure that the inconclusive test was not actually a positive result. Some test results have yielded false positives, only to later be proven negative.
Panthers coach Matt Rhule said he learned of result at 4:48 a.m.
“I told our staff, ‘hey, take this time with no distractions to take the time to watch yesterday’s game, watch the weeks before, find a way to improve in the areas where we haven’t played well,” Rhule said. “Provided that we’re back in there on Wednesday, I’m hoping there will be a time for some introspection.”
The development comes as a number of teams across the NFL have had players and other team members test positive for the novel coronavirus. Last week, the Panthers found out an Atlanta Falcons player was placed on the COVID-19/reserve list just two days after the two teams played.
That player, Marlon Davidson, made contact with at least six Panthers, although none of those players tested positive during the past week. As an abundance of caution, the Panthers entered intensive protocol last week. They were required to attend all meetings virtually and wore Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), like face shields and masks at practice.
Panthers offensive lineman Tyler Larsen, who did not make contact with Davidson, was placed on the COVID-19/reserve list Friday a day after he missed practice. The list is reserved for players who have tested positive or have come into close contact with a person who tested positive.
Schofield missed practice last Thursday for an unspecified reason that was not related to an injury the same day Larsen was out. Schofield returned to practice Friday and played in five snaps in a 23-16 loss to the Bears on Sunday.
Players were tested Monday morning. They are off on Tuesday, but are allowed to get treatment.
Schofield is the third Panthers offensive lineman and fifth player to be placed on the COVID-19 reserve list this season. Panthers offensive guard Chris Reed was placed on the list in September. Reed said he contracted the virus, and dealt with symptoms from COVID. He has since recovered.
Defensive back Derrek Thomas, who is no longer with the team, and practice squad defensive back Natrell Jamerson were also put on the list previously.
This story was originally published October 19, 2020 at 1:25 PM.
