Panthers activate three from reserve/COVID-19 list; WR DJ Moore likely out

Things are looking a little better for the Carolina Panthers after coronavirus-related issues caused them to add eight players to the reserve/COVID-19 list earlier this week. 

As Nick Shook of the league's official website explained on Friday, the Panthers activated wide receiver Curtis Samuel, linebacker Shaq Thompson, and rookie defensive tackle Derrick Brown off the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. 

Previous reports named Samuel as one of five Carolina players who landed on the list after they were deemed high-risk close contacts. The 24-year-old has tallied 54 receptions for 517 yards with three touchdown catches, along with 117 rushing yards with two rushing scores this season. 

It's not all good news for Carolina fans ahead of the weekend, as ESPN's David Newton reported. Fellow receiver DJ Moore remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list and is expected to miss at least Sunday's contest. It's believed Moore is one of three members of the Panthers who tested positive for the virus coming off the bye week. 

Moore leads Carolina with 924 receiving yards and four touchdown catches. 

Additionally, All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey will likely remain sidelined, this time because of quad tightness. Injury woes have prevented McCaffrey from playing in all but three games this season.