It’s not official, but Brian Burns won’t be in the lineup for this weekend’s game against Washington. Panthers defensive coordinator Phil Snow told reporters today that Burns isn’t playing. After putting in a stupendous two-sack performance, Burns suffered a knee injury in last Saturday night’s loss to the Packers. He said it was no big deal afterwards but had to undergo an MRI.
On the bright side, coach Matt Rhule told the media yesterday that Burns’ injury won’t require surgery and he hasn’t been ruled out for the Week 17 matchup with the Saints.
Matt Rhule wouldn't get into specifics of Brian Burns' MRI, but said he doesn't need surgery and hasn't been ruled out of next week's finale vs. Saints.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) December 23, 2020
If last week’s devastating win for the Jets doesn’t convince casual fans that NFL teams simply do not tank, nothing will. That said, it’s worth repeating. The Panthers are going to try to win every game left on their schedule because that’s what the staff and the players are paid to do.
So, while it makes sense to sit guys like Burns, Christian McCaffrey, Jeremy Chinn, D.J. Moore and everyone else who’s important to the future of this franchise in Weeks 16-17, this team is going to keep putting as many playmakers out there as they can.
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