As the Carolina Panthers prepare for the upcoming season, they're counting on Brian Burns to be one of their biggest leaders on the defensive side of the ball. But his missed practice on Thursday had everyone, including head coach Frank Reich, a bit confused.

While he participated in team meetings throughout the day, Burns decided to sit out of Thursday's practice due to personal reasons, via Joseph Person of The Athletic. When asked if Burns' absence was due to his contract, Reich's answer led to more questions than answers.

“I'll just refer that to Brian,” Reich said when asked about the DE's contract situation. “It isn't possible for me to have more respect than I do for Brian. That's his personal matter. And secondly, as a matter of policy, that's not my role to talk about contracts even if that's what it was.

Burns had participated in almost all of Carolina's practices throughout the summer. While he has made it clear he is looking for a new contract, Burns was still involved. But now, in the Panthers' final practice before Labor Day, Burns decided to sit it out.

The timing could all be a coincidence. Burns was still at facilities and perhaps didn't want to press things before a long weekend. But Reich's comments make it seem like more is in play. While he refused to answer questions about Burns' contract, he acknowledged that it is a question currently affecting the Panthers.

Frank Reich will hope Brian Burns is on the field for Week 1. His participation throughout the offseason pointed towards that being Burns' intention. But his missed practice has sent an ominous wind through Carolina as potential contract issues are being blown to the forefront.