League monitors Charlotte as Panthers game approaches

The NFL is monitoring the situation in Charlotte, North Carolina, after consecutive nights of civil unrest in the city that is home to the Carolina Panthers.

The police shooting of 43-yearold Keith Lamont Scott on Tuesday sparked outrage and violent protests that entered their third day Thursday.

The Panthers are slated to host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

“We are planning to play the game as scheduled on Sunday,” the NFL said in a statement. “We are monitoring events in Charlotte and have been in communication with local of- NOTES ficials and authorities, and both the Carolina Panthers and the Minnesota Vikings.”

One of the possibilities is the NFL choosing to move the game to a different location. As Thursday, that possibility wasn’t being pursued.

■ 49ERS — Quarterback Colin Kaepernick is featured on the latest cover of Time magazine after generating headlines and controversy with his actions during the national anthem.

On Thursday, Time tweeted its cover for its upcoming edition. It shows Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem, as he has done and patriotism.”

■ VIKINGS — Running back Adrian Peterson underwent surgery to repair the torn meniscus and lateral collateral ligament in his right knee and will begin rehabilitating immediately, the team said.

Also, defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd had arthroscopic surgery to clean out cartilage in his right knee and is expected to miss at least a month.

■ BEARS — Quarterback Matt Barkley was added to Chicago’s 53-man roster as the Bears anticipate starter Jay Cutler being sidelined with a thumb sprain, and linebacker Lamarr Houston (torn ACL) was placed on injured reserve.