After losing Yetur Gross-Matos to what head coach Frank Reich described as a “pretty significant” hamstring injury, the Carolina Panthers could ill-afford any more subtractions from the outside linebacker position. Luckily, they may not have to do any of that math this afternoon.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Brian Burns is likely to play in Sunday’s matchup against the Houston Texans. The two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher, who has been listed as questionable for the contest, sustained an elbow injury during Thursday’s practice and did not participate in the final session of the week.
#Panthers star pass-rusher Brian Burns, who suffered an elbow injury in Thursday's practice, is likely to go today, source said. He won't be 100%, but he's pushing to play. Meanwhile, LB Frankie Luvu (hip) is listed as questionable and expected to go.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 29, 2023
Burns’ sudden absence may have had some believing a move was on the horizon, especially with the trade deadline just a few days away. But Reich told reporters on Friday that his lack of presence was strictly due to the injury.
“No correlation,” Reich said. “We had a kinda a little thing happen yesterday on a play where he hurt his elbow. Got it checked out. Today, it was still an issue. So, gettin’ further evaluation on that to try to see where we’re at.”
Burns currently leads the Panthers with 4.0 sacks.
