The Carolina Panthers got their leading sack artist back on the practice field.
After missing out on Wednesday due to an ankle injury, outside linebacker Brian Burns returned to today’s session as a limited participant. The two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher currently leads the team in sacks (6.0), quarterback hits (15) and tackles for a loss (13).
Carolina did not, however, have tight ends Hayden Hurst (concussion) and Ian Thomas (ankle) as well as guard Justin McCray (calf). Interim head coach Chris Tabor gave a strong indication to reporters yesterday that Cade Mays, who filled in for McCray in Week 14’s loss to the New Orleans Saints, will get the starting nod at left guard.
Here is Thursday’s injury report in its entirety:
| Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Game status | |
| OLB Brian Burns | Ankle | DNP | Limited | ||
| CB Troy Hill | Rest | DNP | |||
| CB Jaycee Horn | Rest | DNP | |||
| TE Hayden Hurst | Concussion | DNP | DNP | ||
| CB D’Shawn Jamison | Illness | DNP | DNP | ||
| OLB DJ Johnson | Illness | DNP | |||
| G Justin McCray | Calf | DNP | DNP | ||
| OT Taylor Moton | Rest/knee | DNP | Limited | ||
| S Jammie Robinson | Illness/finger | DNP | Limited | ||
| WR Adam Thielen | Rest | DNP | |||
| TE Ian Thomas | Ankle | DNP | DNP | ||
| OLB Marquis Haynes Sr. | Back | Limited | Limited | ||
| TE Tommy Tremble | Hip | Limited | Limited | ||
| DT DeShawn Williams | Knee | Limited | Limited | ||
| P Johnny Hekker | Shin | Full | Full | ||
| OLB Amaré Barno | Illness | DNP | |||
| S Sam Franklin Jr. | Illness | DNP |
