Burns missed the Magpies' defeats to Carlton and North Melbourne and his latest absence means his 250th game milestone must wait another week at least.
Collingwood made two changes, rushing back defender Nick Maxwell after a one-game suspension and adding young midfielder Ryan Cook for his fourth career game.
Their inclusion comes through forced decisions on onballer Brodie Holland (ankle) and forward Ben Reid (quad), who are both injured.
Senior players Anthony Rocca, Alan Didak and Dane Swan were all named despite training lightly this week, while ruckman Josh Fraser will again skipper the Magpies.
The Bombers recalled Courtney Johns to bolster their attack at the expense of Nathan Lovett-Murray, who was dropped from the side which lost to St Kilda.
Johns will play his first game this year - and just his 20th in four seasons - with Essendon coach Matthew Knights keen to ease the pressure on spearhead Matthew Lloyd, given key forwards Scott Lucas and Scott Gumbleton remain sidelined through injury.
Geelong and Fremantle also named their sides for Friday night's game at Subiaco Oval and the reigning premiers made it clear they still believe they can improve, dropping three players despite beating Sydney by seven goals last weekend.
The Cats axed Max Rooke, who was a member of last year's premiership side, as well as with Brent Prismall and Trent West.
Three inexperienced players were named, with defender Harry Taylor chosen for his fourth game, crumber Ryan Gamble returning from suspension for his fifth game and ruckman Shane Mumford to debut after starting the season on the rookie list.
Fremantle again chopped their side in an attempt to kick-start their season, with Des Headland and Ryan Murphy returning at the expense of Scott Thornton and Matthew Carr, omitted following the defeat to Adelaide.
