Panthers' COVID-19 cases linked to players gathering outside team facility

The Carolina Panthers' positive COVID-19 cases this week are linked to "some gathering of players outside the team facility" during Carolina's bye week, NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills said Wednesday, according to Joe Person of The Athletic.

The Panthers closed their facilities and placed eight players on the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday after two players reportedly tested positive. Wide receiver DJ Moore was reportedly one of the infected players.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told all teams in a November memo they would play the rest of the season under the league's intensive protocol, which prohibits team or players gatherings away from club facilities.

"We've worked with the club on that," Sills said of the Panthers. "Worked with the involved individuals, and I think we'll continue to see improvement there (with) repeated messaging."

Carolina reopened its facility Wednesday and activated offensive tackle Greg Little from the COVID-19 list.

The 4-8 Panthers are scheduled to host the Denver Broncos on Sunday.