Panthers notebook: Brian Burns update, rookie named starter, captains selected

Panthers Pro Bowl defender Brian Burns showed up to Wednesday’s practice in full pads and a helmet. And while there isn’t further clarity on his contract negotiations with the Panthers, the pass rusher did take part in individual pad and sled drills to begin the week.

Burns — who again didn’t speak with media on Wednesday — didn’t take part in the pre-practice stretch routine, but later joined teammates for individual drills.

The Panthers released their initial injury status report for the week after practice. Burns’ name was not listed, implying that he was a full participant in the first practice of the week. Burns, 25, is set to make $16 million in the fifth and final year of his rookie deal.

Prior to practice, head coach Frank Reich chose to direct all questions about the extension talks to Burns. When asked if Burns could be fined for missing practice, Reich said that he understands Burns’ desire for a new contract but since he is under contract there are parameters in place to follow.

Burns heading to the field on Wednesday squashed the possibility of a practice fine, but the pass rusher still could receive a fine for missing any upcoming games. Reich pointed out that Burns has still been lifting in the weight room and attending meetings at the facility.

“He’s done everything he can to not make himself a distraction to this team,” Reich said.

Reich said he won’t rule out Burns against the Atlanta Falcons until the last minute on Sunday.

Burns among six captains for 2023

Despite his ongoing negotiations, Burns was honored by his teammates this week. Burns was voted as one of six captains for the Panthers this season.

Joining Burns on defense was longtime leader and linebacker Shaq Thompson. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young, veteran wideout Adam Thielen and right tackle Taylor Moton will be the captains of the offense. Punter Johnny Hekker, a former All-Pro, received the captain’s honor for special teams.

Reich said the honor for Burns shows how highly the player is regarded in the locker room.

“It just shows the respect that he has in the locker room — the player and the leader,” Reich said. “He is a great player, but make no mistake about it, he’s also a great leader. And the guys recognize both of those things.”

Young, April’s first overall pick, was honored to receive the title of captain.

“It’s a real honor,” Young said. “It’s something I definitely don’t take lightly. It means a lot ... Super grateful for my teammates for just accepting me and allowing me to come in — it’s been a great experience for me. It’s a great locker room, great coaching staff. And everyone has just accepted me and allowed me to come in and to grow. And (allowed) us to be able to progress as a team.

“Again, it’s something I take a lot of pride in, and it’s a huge honor, and obviously there’s a responsibility to that as well, and so I’m excited for that challenge.”

Rookie named starting guard

With veteran Austin Corbett (ACL) sidelined on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, rookie Chandler Zavala will start in his place at right guard against the Falcons. Reich announced Zavala’s promotion on Wednesday.

The fourth-round pick from N.C. State started at right guard during the final two preseason games. The rookie played well enough to hold off Cade Mays, who took the majority of the reps at that position during training camp.

Zavala, along with Young and second-round pick wideout Jonathan Mingo, will make up the trio of starting rookies for the team on offense.

Zavala’s summer got off to a slow start, as he started training camp on the PUP list with a hamstring injury. He eventually returned to practice and ultimately beat out the competition for the — at least temporary — starting job.

Corbett will be eligible to return to practice in Week 5. He then could presumably retake his job.

Miles Sanders moving past groin injury

Panthers running back Miles Sanders was sidelined for the entire preseason. But, according to Sanders, his groin injury was only part of the reason for his absence.

Before Wednesday’s practice, Sanders claimed the groin injury was actually short-lived.

“For people who don’t know, I was only out with my groin for seven days,” Sanders said. “So it was only a week. I was right back at practice right after that last week of preseason. So I had only about seven days off.

“Having mental reps was helping me a lot. But I’ve been pretty much in the mix since then, so I haven’t really had mental reps lately. But I could say, that little week, having those reps (was important).”

The Panthers signed Sanders to a four-year, $25.4 million deal in the offseason. The 2022 Pro Bowl selection is expected to see the lion’s share of the Panthers’ backfield touches this season.

With a clean bill of health, he should be able to make a strong debut against the Falcons on Sunday.

Last season, Sanders ran for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns as part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ running back rotation. He will look to duplicate that success in Carolina this season.

Quick hits

▪ The Panthers released their initial injury status report after practice. The group featured four of the team’s six wideouts:

- Did not participate: WR DJ Chark (hamstring), DE DeShawn Williams (illness)

- Limited: S Sam Franklin (knee), WR Terrace Marshall (back), WR Adam Thielen (ankle)

- Full: WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (ankle)

▪ Eight players received new numbers this week:

- Mays moved from No. 66 to No. 68.

- G Nash Jensen went from No. 67 to No. 66.

- DT LaBryan Ray switched from No. 67 to No. 93.

- DT Nick Thurman switched from No. 76 to No. 91

- OT Calvin Throckmorton received No. 76

- CB Troy Hill received No. 13

- LB Claudin Cherelus received No. 53

- CB D’Shawn Jamison received No. 29

▪ The team completed its initial 16-man practice on Tuesday, signing wideout Dezmon Patmon to the group. Patmon spent the past two seasons on the Indianapolis Colts, where he worked with Reich and passing game coordinator Parks Frazier. Patmon has four career catches for 45 yards and a touchdown. He is listed as 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds. He will wear No. 86.

▪ Veteran defensive tackle Shy Tuttle, who was signed in free agency, is listed as the team’s starting nose tackle on the unofficial depth chart sent out by the team. Running back Raheem Blackshear is also named as the first-team kick and punt returner with newly acquired wideout Ihmir Smith-Marsette serving as his backup at both positions.