Brian Burns absent from early portion of Friday’s practice

Panthers OLB Brian Burns was not present during the early portions of practice on Friday.

Let the hour-long speculation begin!

According to multiple reporters on the scene in Charlotte, Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Brian Burns was not present during the early and visible portions of practice this afternoon. The two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher, who has been a topic of trade rumors for the past few weeks, popped up on Thursday’s injury report with an elbow issue.

With the trade deadline set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, many may continue to speculate that the absence could be linked to a possible move in the very near future. If the Panthers really want to sell off Burns for as much as they can get, it’s in their best interest to keep him healthy.

But with teams reportedly being told that the 25-year-old is not available for trade, it seems likelier that this latest development could be connected to his elbow injury.

Stay tuned for the upcoming and final injury report for the Week 8 matchup with the Houston Texans.

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