CHARLOTTE — The Panthers put three more players on the reserve/COVID-19 list and took one off Thursday, pushing the team total to 13 as they prepare for Sunday's game against the Saints.
The Panthers added safety Kenny Robinson, defensive end Darryl Johnson, and practice squad running back Reggie Bonnafon to the COVID-19 list Thursday, the sixth straight day they've added someone.
With the league's new rules that shorten the time players have to isolate, the Panthers are hopeful they can still get a few players back in time to play this week, though that depends on their condition.
The Panthers have been particularly hard-hit on defense, as Brian Burns, Haason Reddick , and Shaq Thompson are on the list.
The Panthers added veteran cornerback Rashaan Melvin back to the active roster, after his five days on reserve/COVID-19, and he's on the practice field.
They also activated tight end Stephen Sullivan to the 53-man roster as a COVID-19 replacement, and added two players to the practice squad at positions of need — signing quarterback Jordan Ta'amu and cornerback Tae Hayes.
Ta'amu, who entered the league as an undrafted rookie from Ole Miss, has spent time with the Texans, Chiefs, Lions, and Washington. He adds some depth since P.J. Walker's on the COVID-19 list.
Hayes, from Appalachian State, has been with the Jaguars, Dolphins, Vikings, and Cardinals.
The Panthers are thin at corner for a change, with Stephon Gilmore's injury adding to the three on injured reserve.
