Brian Burns Fantasy

The Carolina Panthers exercised defensive end Brian Burns' fifth-year option on Friday, according to a source. The Panthers are choosing to build around the pass-rusher and will lock him up for at least the next two seasons. The No. 16 overall pick in 2019 out of Florida State made the Pro Bowl last year when he recorded 50 tackles (31 solo), 13 tackles for loss, 18 QB hits, a career-high-tying nine sacks, four passes defensed and two forced fumbles in 17 games. The 24-year-old has racked up 25.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in his three NFL seasons in Carolina, and his arrow continues to point upward.

Apr. 29th • 3:22 PM

Carolina Panthers Pro Bowl defensive end Brian Burns has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a source. Head coach Matt Rhule said that the team has a "somewhat significant" number of positive COVID tests on Monday, so we should be expecting more Panthers names to be added to the Reserve/COVID-19 list in the coming days. The 23-year-old Burns has 48 tackles (29 solo), 13 tackles for loss, 17 QB hits, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a career-high-tying nine sacks so far in 15 games played in 2021. Carolina's pass rush won't be at full strength if Burns cannot clear the COVID protocols in time for next Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints.

Dec. 27th • 12:53 PM

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said that pass-rusher Brian Burns (knee) didn't practice on Wednesday, but he will not require surgery. Offensive lineman Russell Okung (hip) and cornerback Troy Pride also missed practice Wednesday. Burns, 22, has been fantasy relevant this year with his 56 combined tackles (seven for loss), 20 QB hits, three passes defensed, three forced fumbles and eight sacks in 14 games. While it's good news that he won't need surgery, it remains up in the air as to whether he can play in the final two regular season games against the Washington Football Team and Saints. Burns ranks fourth among defensive linemen in fantasy points through 14 games. The Panthers Defense could be a potential streaming defense in Week 16 if Dwayne Haskins Jr. sees another start under center for Washington, but only in deeper formats.

Dec. 23rd • 4:10 PM