Burns Returns to Practice as a Full Participant

Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Brian Burns sat out practice last Thursday and this Monday as he and his team are deep in contract negotiations with the organization.

Many viewed today as a telling sign of where things stand between the two based upon his participation at practice. Burns arrived to today's practice in helmet and pads and was not listed on the team's injury report, meaning he was a full go. By league rules, Burns would have had to be listed if he was not a full participant.

Head coach Frank Reich understands that Burns is doing what he needs to do and has made it very clear that he has not been a distraction to the rest of the team.

"He's been in the building. He's in there lifting weights. He's in meetings. He's just not been a distraction," said Reich. "He's missed a couple practices, so he's been a complete pro."

When would it get to the point where Reich would rule Burns out for Sunday's game in Atlanta?

"Sunday," he stated. "Fair question. I understand it. But my mind's really not even going there. It's really not. Like, my mind is going to today's practice. We'll deal with each day as it comes."

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