Panthers DE Brian Burns entered Sunday's game with a knee injury that kept him out of the starting lineup and limited his role. He came away from it with a shoulder stinger as well. Burns played 41% of the snaps against Washington and still managed a sack and a pass deflection. We'll see about his outlook for Week 17 against New Orleans.

Panthers edge Brian Burns had surgery last Wednesday on his right ankle, the team announced Monday. Burns missed Week 18 with what was deemed an ankle sprain, but he returned to participate in the Pro Bowl games. Panthers.com's Darin Gantt reports that Burns continued to feel soreness as he began the offseason program, however. Tests revealed a "small fracture," which Dr. Robert Anderson repaired. Carolina expects Burns to be ready for training camp and play the season with "no limitations." This obviously adds a challenge for a rising, young pass rusher, though. We'll be watching Burns' progress this summer. Don't be surprised if we're a little cautious with his initial projections, coming in mid-May.

Panthers EDGE Brian Burns (ankle) is inactive for today's game against the Saints.

Panthers DE Brian Burns has tested positive for COVID. In addition, the Panthers sent players home Monday after what HC Matt Rhule called a "somewhat significant" number of positives, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. We'll see who else lands on the COVID list ahead of the Week 17 visit to New Orleans. We'll also see whether Burns has time to make it back from the list before Sunday.

Panthers DE Brian Burns (ankle) is active for today's game against the Cardinals. He finished the week with a full Friday practice and should be good to go for IDP lineups.

Panthers DE Brian Burns (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals. He progressed throughout the week, from missing Wednesday's practice to being limited Thursday and then a full Friday workout. We'll check Burns' status Sunday around 2:30 p.m. ET, when the inactives come out.