Frank Reich says Brian Burns did not participate in walk-through due to a ‘personal matter’

Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich told the media that linebacker Brian Burns did not participate in Monday’s walk-through, though the reason for his absence is unclear. Reich said it was due to a “personal matter” and would not comment if it was over a contract situation. 

“I’ll defer to Brian on that,” Reich said (per NFL Media) when asked why the two-time Pro Bowler was not with the team for the walk-through.

According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, Burns absence is contract related. It is unclear whether he will be able to play in the Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, or whether he will play before a new deal gets done.

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa is predicted to set the market for pass rusher deals and until his deal is finalized, Burns’ camp is unlikely to agree to a number. 

Monday is the second straight team activity Burns has missed, the first being Thursday’s practice, which was also attributed to a personal matter.

“I’ll just refer that to Brian,” Reich said after Burns’ first missed team activity. “It’s impossible for me to have more respect than I do for Brian. It’s his personal matter. And secondly, as a matter of policy, it’s not my role to talk about contracts, even if that’s what it was.”

Burns is heading into the final year of his contract, the fifth year of his rookie deal and the two sides have not yet reached an agreement to keep Burns in Charlotte for the long term. The contract battle could be the root of the two absences, but neither side has said it has anything to do with the negotiations. 

Despite his absence, Reich had nothing but praise for the 25-year-old. 

“My view of Brian Burns doesn’t diminish at all,” he added (via NBC Sports). “We understand there’s a business side to this thing we do and I still respect and admire the way he’s handled himself. So, I have nothing but the highest regard for Brian Burns.”

Burns was in the locker room on Monday and was in the building during walk-throughs. He did not take any interviews during media availability.