The bye week is when NFL teams typically get healthier. Nothing is simple or normal about 2020, though. The Carolina Panthers have a few key players who are expected to return from injuries this week. However, there’s been bad news on the pandemic front. This morning, the team announced that “additional” players are being placed on the team’s reserve/COVID-19 list.
According to a report by Ian Rapoport at NFL Network, wide receiver D.J. Moore is one of them.
#Panthers WR DJ Moore is among the players being added to the COVID-19 reserve list, source said. A key offensive weapon.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 7, 2020
Moore is the Panthers’ most productive wide receiver this year. Heading into Week 14, he’s totaled 50 catches, 924 yards and four touchdowns. He also has an ongoing injury issue. In last week’s loss to the Vikings, Moore came down awkwardly in the end zone on an inaccurate pass by QB Teddy Bridgewater and apparently sprained his ankle.
There’s still six days to go before Carolina hosts Denver. However, if Moore winds up being ruled out the Panthers will have to rely more on Robby Anderson and Curtis Samuel. Together, they have combined for 1,429 receiving yards and seven touchdowns from scrimmage.
