5 players the Carolina Panthers cannot afford to lose to injury in 2022
By Dean Jones
Brian Burns – Carolina Panthers DE
At least from the outside looking in, it appears as if the Carolina Panthers are a little short of pass-rushing options ahead of the new season. Carlos Dunlap’s recent visit indicates that those in power within the organization also see this, so it would be a surprise if another option wasn’t acquired before their Week 1 outing against the Cleveland Browns at Bank of America Stadium.
This stems largely from Haason Reddick leaving in free agency for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Panthers failing to bring in an adequate replacement. Sixth-round selection Amare Barno is seen as a development project, so the onus will be on Yetur Gross-Matos and Marquis Haynes to make substantial strides with additional reps.
It also heightens the expectations surrounding Brian Burns. The defensive end took another step forward last time around with nine sacks and a first Pro Bowl selection, but he needs to enter the elite discussion despite extra attention coming his way from opposing protection schemes.
Burns has every tool in the locker to accomplish this. He’s gained weight this offseason in the hope of becoming more influential against the run, which will help his quest in becoming a true three-down force capable of shifting the dynamic of any game.
Losing Burns to injury is not an option. Something that could have grave consequences on the Panthers’ hopes of being competitive.