Pro Bowl outside linebacker Brian Burns is in the concussion protocol and may not be cleared in time for Thursday night's game against the Chicago Bears. Burns suffered the concussion in the fourth quarter of the Panthers' loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He was already dealing with an elbow injury and is wearing a brace. Burns leads the Panthers in sacks this season and is seeking a new contract. The Panthers were previously offered two first-round picks and a third for Burns but declined.

• Brian Burns is in the concussion protocol and may not play in the next game
• Burns leads the Panthers in sacks this season
• Burns is seeking a new contract
• The Panthers declined a trade offer of two first-round picks and a third for Burns