The Panthers have added kicker Joey Slye and offensive tackle Trent Scott to the reserve/COVID-19 list, bringing their current total to four players.
Panthers have placed K Joey Slye and OL Trent Scott on reserve/COVID-19 list. A team spokesperson confirmed neither were in the facility Monday or Tuesday, meaning their time on COVID list dates back to Monday.
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) October 21, 2020
The facility is still open and practice is scheduled for 2:15 p.m.
It is important to note that this does not mean either of these two players currently have COVID-19. Players are also placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list if they’ve been in close contact with someone who has COVID. According to Alaina Getzenberg of the Charlotte Observer, neither player has tested positive thus far and it’s possible that both players are available for Sunday’s game against the Saints.
Reminder that being placed on the COVID list can indicate someone has tested positive or been in close contact with someone who has. No positives up to this point w/ the two players and with close contact protocols, both could be available for Sunday's game.
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) October 21, 2020
The team’s website has more information on the situation:
Players may be placed on the list for either a positive test or being in close contact with another individual who has tested positive. Teams may not disclose for what reason any player has been added to the list.
Neither Slye nor Scott were at the Panthers’ facility at Bank of America Stadium on Monday or Tuesday, as Carolina’s football operation worked virtually for the two days, so their placement on the list can be backdated to Monday.
As a means of precaution, the Panthers are currently working out kickers just in case Slye is unable to play on Sunday. Joe Person of The Athletic is reporting that three free agent kickers — Casey Bednarski, Austin Parker and Taylor Bertolet — are currently being tested for COVID-19 as a contingency plan in case the Panthers need to replace Slye this week.
Panthers have three free agent kickers currently going through COVID testing - Casey Bednarski, Austin Parker and Taylor Bertolet, per source.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 21, 2020
Marty Hurney has had a contingency plan at kicker all season. This week it becomes of much more importance.
Slye and Scott join guard Michael Schofield and center/guard Tyler Larsen on the team’s reserve/COVID-19 list. Stay tuned for updates to this developing situation.