Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Brian Burns remained silent on his contract situation this afternoon. So instead, he let his actions do the talking—as they have all offseason.
Even in the midst of a stalemate, the two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher suited up for practice on Wednesday. And being that he was not listed on the team’s initial injury report for their Week 1 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, Burns was considered a full participant on the day.
#Panthers pass rusher Brian Burns is in full pads and a helmet. pic.twitter.com/E2KhGYtstU
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) September 6, 2023
Burns isn’t taking part in the stretching routine. It’ll be interesting to see if he practices.
If he doesn’t, he has to be on the injury report. #Panthers pic.twitter.com/IOSRbLrvzG
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) September 6, 2023
This latest development comes after Burns, who is seeking a big-money extension, did not participate in a few team sessions over the past few days. He began by missing a portion of last Thursday’s practice and followed up by sitting out the walkthrough on Monday.
Head coach Frank Reich told reporters before today’s session that he’s still unsure of Burns’ Week 1 status.
“I don’t know,” he said of his availability. “I really don’t know. But I’m not approaching it that way. I’m approaching it, like I know 30 years tells me, anything’s possible. Literally, anything’s possible. So, we’ll just keep moving forward.”
Interestingly enough, Burns and the Panthers may actually move forward in their negotiations this evening—as defensive end Nick Bosa and the San Francisco 49ers have just reset the edge market to the tune of a five-year, $170 million pact.
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