Two Carolina Panthers star defenders test positive for COVID-19

The Panthers are dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19 within their team, and star defensive end Brian Burns and linebacker Shaq Thompson have tested positive. On Monday, the Panthers announced the unfortunate news.

“The Panthers placed two of their top defensive players on the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, among six total players added to that roll,” announced the team. “The team placed defensive end Brian Burns, linebacker Shaq Thompson, defensive end Marquis Haynes Sr., and defensive tackle Phil Hoskins on the list. Along with defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon and center Matt Paradis. Nixon and Paradis were already on injured reserve and out for the year.”

The news comes after the Panthers were beaten badly by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Looking to right the ship after the demoralizing loss, Carolina now has even more on their plate.

Moreover, the loss of Burns is a huge blow to the Panthers defense. On the season, the former Florida State star has accumulated 48 tackles, nine sacks and two forced fumbles.

Additionally, Thompson is one of the leaders of the Panthers defense. While he’s missed a couple games already this season, the unit is better with him on the field. On the season, the former Washington star has amassed 91 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions.

Next Sunday, the Panthers travel to New Orleans to take on the Saints. The playoffs may are out of reach for Carolina. Still, Matt Rhule’s squad will hope to get there stars back to play spoiler for the Saints.

Panthers send team home following multiple positive COVID tests

As if the Panthers didn’t have enough on their plate, Matt Rhule revealed that he had to send him many members of the team on Monday.

“Matt Rhule says they’ve sent the Panthers home today, just to be safe, after positive COVID tests,” tweeted NFL Network’s Andrew Siciliano. “He says the numbers of positives are ‘somewhat significant.’”

As COVID resurges throughout the NFL, Carolina is being hit hard by positive tests. The Panthers are already in a rut. Now, dealing with having to send their team home won’t be to their benefit.

On Sunday, Rhule suffered one of the worst defeats in his time with Carolina against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. At home in an NFC South showdown, the Panthers were outclassed in all facets on the game — the Buccaneers rolling to a 32-6 victory.

Now, the Panthers are 1-7 in their last eight games. Since starting the season 3-0, Carolina is a lousy 2-10 since. Rumors are beginning to run rampant that Rhule could be on the outs with the franchise.

As Matt Rhule and the Panthers look to finish their season with two victories, another wrench has been thrown in their plans. Carolina will be forced to overcome another obstacle if they want to find a victory on Sunday.