Panthers news: Keeping facilities closed is the right call

The Carolina Panthers news regarding the reopening of their facilities means that their roster will have to wait before returning to some sense of normality.

While the majority of NFL teams can officially reopen their practice facilities this week, the Carolina Panthers news on this situation is far different. Roster members and coaching staff will have to wait a little while longer before they can return to some sense of normality.

According to Alaina Getzenberg of the Charlotte Observer, the Panthers news regarding their reopening is not going to officially happen until early June. This is despite the franchise meeting North Carolina and Mecklenberg County regulations that would allow Bank of America stadium to open its doors with a “limited number” of staff and employees.

NFL officials closed down facilities in late March due to social distancing measures surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. This has meant teams such as the Panthers have held OTAs in virtual format for the first time. And there is still the prospect of a shortened training camp if fears surrounding Covid-19 do not subside.

The Panthers are the latest team to announce they won’t be partially opening their facility. The Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos came to a similar conclusion earlier this week to ensure the safety of staff and players alike.

This might not have that much of an impact regarding the Panthers’ fortunes in 2020. They are already adjusting to a new normal during a frantic offseason period so far. And it is unlikely that a few more weeks of working in their current predicament is going to them any harm at all.

Sport, in general, is taking a back seat during such an unprecedented time across the globe. The sooner things get back to normal, the better. But for now, the safety of every individual involved far supersedes any sporting necessity that may be emanating from certain sections of the population.

The Panthers news relating to their prospects for the upcoming season appears bleak. New head coach Matt Rhule has endured a difficult first few months at the helm and he will be itching to get working with a revamped roster in person.

However, keeping the facilities closed in the current circumstances is absolutely the right call. And it would be prudent for more NFL teams to follow suit.