Report: Panthers' Burns, Thielen expected to play in Week 1

Star pass-rusher Brian Burns is expected to play in the Carolina Panthers' Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Wide receiver Adam Thielen is also expected to participate after being listed as questionable with an ankle issue, per NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.

Burns' status had been uncertain due to his desire for a new contract. The 25-year-old has skipped several practices as he and the team negotiate.

Head coach Frank Reich said Friday that he hopes Burns suits up, but the team will "do everything (they) can to go out there and win a football game" with whoever is available, according to The Associated Press.

The 6-foot-5 defender is currently slated to play on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal and make just over $16 million, per Over the Cap. Burns, the No. 16 pick in the 2019 draft, has tallied 38 sacks, 43 tackles for loss, and seven forced fumbles in 64 career games.

Thielen, meanwhile, signed a three-year, $25-million pact with the club in free agency this offseason and is expected to be one of rookie quarterback Bryce Young's most reliable targets.

The 33-year-old wideout has accumulated 534 receptions for 6,682 yards and 55 touchdowns in his NFL career.