Carolina Panthers will fine players who broke COVID-19 protocol rules during their bye week at least US$10,000 (NZ$14,100).
The team placed eight players on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday - wide receivers DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel, defensive tackles Derrick Brown and Zach Kerr, linebacker Shaq Thompson, tackle Greg Little, punter Michael Palardy and practice squad wideout Ishmael Hyman.
Some of those players reportedly gathered outside the team facility, against NFL and NFLPA protocols.
Six of the players have been activated and are set to play on Monday (NZ time), when the Panthers (4-8) host Denver Broncos (4-8). Moore and Kerr remain on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Carolina are not the first team to issue fines over coronavirus concerns.
Last week, Broncos coach Vic Fangio said all four of the team's quarterbacks would be fined for not wearing masks at the team facility.
That protocol violation left Denver without a quarterback for their Week 12 loss against New Orleans Saints.
Reuters
