Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as a potential concern emerges heading into Week 1 at the Atlanta Falcons?
Anyone who was hoping for a drama-free run to Week 1 where the Carolina Panthers are concerned is already out of luck. Further developments are anticipated in the coming days, but things are hanging precariously as their highly-anticipated clash versus the Atlanta Falcons draws ever closer.
It'll be interesting to see how things unfold. Until then, the stories generating discussion include Brian Burns' status, Frank Reich on preparing for every eventuality, Marquis Haynes Sr.'s significant setback, and the Panthers bringing in an intriguing defensive lineman for a visit.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers host Chris Wormley
With so many questions surrounding the defensive line and pass-rushing options, it came as no surprise to see the Carolina Panthers take matters into their own hands. According to the NFL's transaction wire, those in power hosted Chris Wormley on a visit, who performed well for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 and has experience operating within a 3-4 system.
Wormley would fill an immediate need for the Panthers. They are desperately short of reliable depth on their front three, but the player leaving without a deal means his potential arrival is still hanging in the balance.
Regardless of whether it's Wormley or someone else, Carolina must act quickly. Especially if their ongoing situation with Brian Burns develops into something more complicated at the worst possible time.
Carolina Panthers receive Marquis Haynes blow
As if the complex scenario with Brian Burns wasn't enough, the Carolina Panthers also lost one of the best situational edge rushers around when Marquis Haynes Sr. suffered a setback in his recovery from a back complication. Something that forced the organization to place the former Ole Miss star on injured/reserve.
Haynes recently stated that he would 1,000 percent be ready for Week 1 at the Atlanta Falcons. The player was in contention to start opposite Burns as a 3-4 outside linebacker before veteran Justin Houston came on board, but there was still a decent role awaiting the edge presence before this unfortunate turn of events.
When discussing the injury, Frank Reich stated via Sports Illustrated that he feels confident in those lower down the pecking order, who've been getting plenty of practice and preseason reps given how long Haynes has been on the sidelines.
"The thing with Marquis is because he hasn't practiced for the last month…although we were anticipating there was a chance he was going to be ready, we've been playing like he's not going to be ready. Everybody's gotten a lot of reps so I think we'll be in good shape."Frank Reich via Sports Illustrated
This is the last thing Carolina and the player needs. Hopefully, Haynes will be back following his four-game absence and make enough of a contribution to get considered for another new deal in 2024.
Carolina Panthers teammates rally around Brian Burns
The Carolina Panthers have themselves a needless complication during game week. This was pretty standard procedure under the previous coaching regime, but it's not in keeping with the rise in professional standards under Frank Reich and his all-star coaching staff.
Brian Burns was around the facility and attended meetings on Monday. However, the stud edge rusher wasn't on the field for walk-throughs as frustrations continue to build around no new contract being on the table right now.
Multiple reporters are stating that the Panthers and Burns' representatives aren't close to an agreement currently. Something that might change depending on when Nick Bosa's market-resetting deal with the San Francisco 49ers gets confirmed.
Burns' teammates are rallying behind him during this uncertain time and Frank Reich still holds the player in the highest regard. Team captain Shaq Thompson understands the implications but when speaking via David Newton of ESPN, is keen for the franchise to sort something out before it's time to descend on Atlanta.
"Everybody here knows, everybody outside of here knows, everybody in the stands know, everybody above us knows he deserves what he should get paid. They know to make it right before Week 1. We know he's gonna be out there at the end of the day. He knows he's gonna be out there at the end of the day. Everybody upstairs better know he better be out there by Wednesday. He's a big factor in this defense. He's the one it really starts with."Shaq Thompson via ESPN
The Panthers are being too cute for their own good here. Playing this slowly until Bosa's deal is finalized might save them a few dollars in the long run, but it might also fracture the relationship with Burns along the way.
Carolina Panthers HC Frank Reich's adjustment
The Brian Burns contract stalemate has cast a cloud over what's been an otherwise decent preparation period for the Carolina Panthers. This is a fluid situation that could go either way, but it doesn't make things any easier for head coach Frank Reich ahead of his opening competitive contest at the helm.
Reich has leaned heavily on Burns throughout the offseason and praised the edge rusher for his mentality while others around the league are holding out. When asked about his lack of on-field participation in recent days, the experienced figurehead stated via USA Today Sports he's just rolling with the punches.
"It’s hard. It’s hard. Like I can say—and both of these things can be true—I can say I love and respect Brian Burns and he’s gotta do what he’s gotta do. But does it make it harder? Yeah, it makes it harder. I mean, that’s just the facts. I’m sure he understands that. And you can’t find more of a team guy than him. Life is complicated sometimes. It’s complicated. So, we just keep movin’ forward day by day. I’m at the stage in this where I’m not involved in the contract negotiation. At all. Zero. Mr. Tepper and Scott [Fitterer] asked me my views of certain things. I’ve expressed my views. I’m just worried about gettin’ our team ready to play Atlanta. And do I hope he’s there? Absolutely I hope he’s there. But if he’s not there, I’m not worried about it. Just move forward."Frank Reich via USA Today Sports
This isn't ideal for Reich or the Panthers. But the NFL is a business above all else and if Burns feels like he's being undervalued, a holdout cannot be dismissed entirely.
If Burns isn't on the field and the Panthers get beat in Week 1, it won't take long for the fans to start turning on general manager Scott Fitterer. Hopefully, it won't come to that.