Editor’s Note: The Lions have addressed the current need at wide reciever, reportedly signing veteran Kevin Ogletree, according to Justin Rogers of MLive.com. The move makes sense regardless of when Burleson will be back, as he’s guaranteed to miss a couple more games.
Nate Burleson says he’ll return sooner than anticipated; should be kept on fantasy team if possible
Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson says he’ll return sooner than anticipated. We break down the fantasy implications.
Patrick McDermott
Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson could return from injury sooner than anticipated. Burleson believes he'll be back sooner than it would typically take someone to get back from the broken arm he suffered, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Burleson broke his left arm in multiple places in a non-football accident in which his car struck the median. It was a single-car accident and occurred when Burleson, the driver, was reaching for a pizza box that was sliding off the passenger’s seat.
While Burleson neglected to give a specific timetable -- suggesting that head coach Jim Schwartz would get mad at him if he did -- he did say he wanted to play soon. Many have targeted a Week 10 return, given the team’s bye week in Week 9.
Fantasy Impact: Burleson actually led the Lions in receptions prior to his injury. That's significant given that Calvin Johnson, possibly the best receiver in the NFL, is also on the team. Without Burleson, Matthew Stafford doesn't have a very reliable No. 2 option. Burleson was becoming a solid fantasy option before his injury and he's certainly worth holding on to going forward because he should pick up where he left off when he returns.
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