Panthers working remotely following unconfirmed positive COVID-19 test

The Carolina Panthers announced that they will work remotely through at least Tuesday because of an unconfirmed positive COVID-19 test result.

Players requiring treatment are still permitted to visit the club's training room. Carolina hopes to return to practice sessions on Wednesday.

Head coach Matt Rhule told reporters that he received a phone call at around 4:48 a.m. regarding the test and the team's altered schedule. He spoke at his home coming off Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Chicago Bears that dropped Carolina to 3-3 overall. 

"I told our staff take this time with no distractions to go back and really watch yesterday's game, watch the weeks before," Rhule said. "Let's find a way to improve in the areas where we haven't played well. So provided that we're back in there on Wednesday, I'm hoping there will be just some time for some introspection."

As David Newton wrote for ESPN, the Panthers entered the league's intense protocol last Wednesday when somebody within the Atlanta Falcons tested positive for the coronavirus after those clubs played on Oct. 11. 

"I thought, as a result, we healed up a little on defense and played better on defense, but certainly in some areas, we weren't as good," Rhule said about his team's scheduling shifts. "I hate to make it come off as an excuse. I just look forward to going out there on Wednesday, putting the pads on and getting to work."

Carolina plays the New Orleans Saints (3-2) on Sunday. That game remains on as planned as of Monday afternoon.