Carolina Panthers Pro Bowl outside linebacker Brian Burns is expected to play in Sunday's opener against the Atlanta Falcons even though he has not gotten a new contract. Burns was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday after sitting out the previous two practices for a personal matter. The two sides are not close on an extension, and Burns wants to be among the highest-paid edge rushers in the NFL.

• Brian Burns is expected to play in the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
• Burns sat out two practices for a personal matter but has been a complete professional throughout the process.
• The Panthers and Burns are not close on a contract extension.
• Burns wants to be among the highest-paid edge rushers in the NFL.
• Burns had a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2022 and aims to break the team's single-season sack record this year.