CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers two-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Brian Burns returned to practice on Wednesday amid stalled talks on a contract extension, although his status for Sunday’s Week 1 game at Atlanta remains uncertain.
Burns, who had skipped the team’s past two practices, showed up in full pads.
After skipping most of the stretching period and getting re-taped by trainers under a tent, the four-year NFL veteran participated in individual drills at full speed during the 20 minutes of practice that were open to reporters.
It’s unclear if Burns planned to participate in team drills, which will dictate how he's listed on the team’s injury report later Wednesday.
It’s also uncertain if Burns will play Sunday without first signing a contract extension. He and his agent Todd France have refused to discuss his contract situation or his plans on whether or not to play moving forward.
The 25-year-old Burns is set to make slightly more than $16 million this season in the final year of his rookie contract, but is seeking a long-term extension. He would miss out on close to $900,000 for every game he misses.
That Burns was dressed for practice is at least some promising news for the Panthers.
Burns is a vital part of the team's defense, which is moving to a 3-4 scheme this season under new coordinator Ejiro Evero. Burns had a career-high 12 1/2 sacks last season. He has set a goal of 10 sacks in the first 10 games of this season.
Burns has been an extremely productive player for the Panthers over the past four seasons with 38 sacks. Only Julius Peppers had more sacks for the Panthers in his first four seasons.
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