Coronavirus cancels Charlotte 49ers' game vs. UNC

The Charlotte 49ers will not be facing North Carolia on Saturday as scheduled. © Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte 49ers cancel game against North Carolina because of coronavirus

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 9/17/20

The Charlotte 49ers confirmed on Thursday that Saturday's scheduled game against the North Carolina Tar Heels has been canceled because Charlotte cannot field enough offensive linemen to safely take the field this weekend.

Three Charlotte football players have tested positive for the coronavirus over the past two weeks. Additionally, contact tracing led to the school send multiple offensive linemen into required quarantine periods.

Per the school, all infected and exposed individuals must self-isolate for at least 14 days.

"We're extremely disappointed to have to cancel our game at North Carolina," Charlotte athletic director Mike Hill said in a prepared statement.

"While I know our team is heartbroken, due to the number of players in quarantine, we could not safely play. We very much appreciate the University of North Carolina working with us to schedule this game."

North Carolina coach Mack Brown also offered a statement:

A message from @CoachMackBrown on Charlotte having to cancel this weekend’s game. pic.twitter.com/WKMfmjfOKZ
— Carolina Football (@TarHeelFootball) September 17, 2020

Charlotte, who lost to Appalachian State 35-20 last Saturday, still intends to host Georgia State next weekend. North Carolina may now try to schedule a non-conference opponent for Sept. 26, which is an off-week for the program, per Andrea Adelson of ESPN.

The Tar Heels are 1-0 after beating Syracuse 31-6 last Saturday.

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