The NFL has barred in-person interviews with free agents and is requiring local physical examinations for them rather than team-conducted exams.

The Carolina Panthers are announcing some big changes to Bank of America stadium.

Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly is retiring from the NFL after eight seasons. The 28-year-old Kuechly made the surprising announcement on the team’s website. Kuechly said he felt it was time to “move on.”

The Panthers have placed quarterback Cam Newton on injured reserve, meaning he can’t play for the rest of the regular season.

Kyle Allen will make his second straight start Sunday when the Panthers visit the Houston Texans. Carolina coach Ron Rivera wasted no time Monday ruling out quarterback Cam Newton for a second straight game due to a lingering mid-foot sprain.

This was not the return to the field that Cam Newton was hoping to make. The Carolina Panthers quarterback left Thursday night’s 10-3 exhibition loss against New England in the first quarter with a foot injury that left him grimacing on the sideline.

Cam Newton’s return to game action will have to wait. Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Newton and linebacker Luke Kuechly will not play in Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Bears in Chicago, adding he’s being extra cautious with both players.

The Panthers hope less means more for Christian McCaffrey in 2019. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner wants to increase McCaffrey's touches this season while reducing the number of plays he's on the field after the running back racked up a franchise-record 1,965 yards from scrimmage.

Ron Rivera’s focus is a little different this summer in his ninth training camp with the Carolina Panthers.