Adjusting on the fly to new COVID protocols

Rhule suggested that Sam Darnold was unlikely to be activated since he hasn’t been medically cleared yet (they’d need to move up some medical tests that were scheduled for next week).

“If something were to happen, we could move up his doctor’s appointment and see if he is cleared,” Rhule said. “He’s prepared all week, but we have not done that as of yet.”

Rhule also mentioned another layer of contingency planning, as they have packages for practice squad running back Reggie Bonnafon — who was a quarterback at Louisville before Lamar Jackson showed up there. Bonnafon would likely be promoted from the practice squad tomorrow anyway, since the Panthers have just two tailbacks on the active roster.

The Panthers also have the ability to use wide receivers DJ Moore or Brandon Zylstra at quarterback if need be.

The Panthers have a relatively mild problem, as there are teams with many more players on the list, creating huge logistical and competitive-advantage problems. The Panthers have just two (Barkley and running back Christian McCaffrey, who was already out for the year). Players deemed close contacts to them will have to test more frequently for the next few days.

Asked if he was holding his breath over the rest of their test results, Rhule replied: “I think everyone in the National Football League is right now when you see what’s happening.”

They will also have to change the way they’re doing business on the road.

The new protocols prohibit large gatherings of players indoors, so the normal team meeting Saturday night will be held virtually. Players also can’t leave the hotel for meals, or have guests in.

The latest protocols are in place through the conclusion of this week’s games, so another set of guidance will likely come down from the league early next week.

Until then, they are using the Atrium Health Dome as meeting space, with chairs and tables and video screens and whiteboards scattered in every corner to allow for distancing. That forced them to move chairs out of the way on the turf to get Friday’s walkthrough in, but adapting has been the norm for the last 24 hours.

“They came last night, and had to quickly work,” Rhule said of the team’s operation staff, video, and IT departments. “They stepped up immediately and got it all done.”