Brian Burns' Game Status vs. Atlanta Revealed

Carolina's defense gets some huge news.

ATLANTA, GA - After days of wondering, we finally have an answer. Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Brian Burns will indeed suit up and play today in the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, according to David Newton of ESPN.

Panthers OLB Brian Burns has not taken the field for pregame warmups but he is at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and will play in today’s opener against the Falcons.

— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) September 10, 2023

Burns missed two practices due to contract negotiations with the team, which are still ongoing. According to multiple reports over the last couple of days, Burns and the Panthers are "not close" on a new deal.

"Brian's handled it like a pro," said Panthers head coach Frank Reich. "He's practiced. He had the one or two days where he didn't. Other than that, it's been the same course of business. He's been the professional that he is, so I'm just going to leave it at that."

Veteran Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson voiced his support for Burns earlier in the week, stating that the team needs to do the right thing and pay the man.

"Everybody here knows. Everybody outside of here knows. Everybody in the stands knows. Everybody above us knows what he deserves and what he should be getting paid and they know what to do to make it right."

Carolina is already without Marquis Haynes Sr. (back) and the coaching staff has already made it clear that they'd prefer Justin Houston to not play a high volume of snaps. Yetur Gross-Matos, Amaré Barno, and rookie DJ Johnson will rotate into the game some but with Burns available, it makes life for Carolina DC Ejiro Evero easier and life for Falcons head coach Arthur Smith more difficult.

Burns is coming off a career year, posting new single-season highs in tackles (63), QB hits (22), tackles for loss (17), and sacks (12.5).

The Panthers and Falcons are set to kick off from Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 1 p.m. EST, broadcasting on FOX.

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