The Panthers might have their best defensive player in the lineup today after all. According to a report by Mike Garafolo at NFL Network, Carolina’s star defensive end Brian Burns is “pushing to play” against Washington.
From FedEx Field: #WashingtonFootball Team WR Terry McLaurin (ankle) is out. RB Antonio Gibson (toe) is back and should have a sizable workload.
Meanwhile, a possible surprise for the #Panthers: DE Brian Burns (knee) has a shot for a limited role. He’s pushing to play. pic.twitter.com/qExyLCrPRF
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 27, 2020
Burns suffered a knee injury in last week’s loss to the Packers that forced him to undergo an MRI. Clearly, it’s not a major injury, though. This is a bit of a surprise, though. Defensive coordinator Phil Snow told the media on Christmas Eve that Burns would not be playing.
Another source close to Burns seems to be expecting No. 53 to be out there, as well. Here’s what Stanley McClover shared on Twitter a little while ago.
SuperHero’s don’t miss GAMES!!!! I can’t wait to see SPIDER-BURNS @Fire_Burns99 touch that field today, which 🕷 will we see 🤫 😈#BrianBurnsSnubbed @Panthers
Graphic By the One and only 🐐 @michael_truhe #1SN🌍 #Beware pic.twitter.com/ModX62HlbY
— Loochie🤴🏿 (@smccloverjr) December 27, 2020
McClover is Burns’ older brother and played for the Panthers from 2006-2007.
If he does play it will be tremendous news for Carolina’s defense. Burns’ influence goes far beyond the box score, but he’s posted eight sacks, 20 quarterback hits and seven tackles for a loss so far.
