NFL planning to play Panthers-Vikings as scheduled, monitoring Charlotte protests

The team and NFL is at least monitoring the situation to see if moving the game is necessary

The Carolina Panthers and the NFL are planning to play Sunday's Week 3 matchup in downtown Charlotte as scheduled, but are also monitoring the situation in Charlotte to see if moving the team's game against the Minnesota Vikings, set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, is necessary.

According to a statement released by the team, they are in contact with the league as well as the police department, local and state government officials to see how to proceed.

"We are in contact with government officials, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the NFL," a team spokesperson said. "We are continuing to monitor events as we prepare for Sunday's home game."

Over the past two nights, Charlotte has been rocked by protests after a civilian was shot and killed by a police officer. The protests have been violent in nature, with substantial damage done to buildings and businesses in downtown Charlotte.

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency in Charlotte on Wednesday night amid the intense coverage of activity downtown.

The protests have taken place very close to Bank of America Stadium, creating a reasonable concern of safety for anyone attending the game on Sunday.