Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsMonday, June 22, 2026

Nate Burleson injury: Lions WR doubtful, unlikely to play for fantasy owners

Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson is doubtful for Sunday’s game. We break down the fantasy implications.

Patrick McDermott

Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson is officially doubtful for the team's Week 11 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Burleson is still recovering from a broken forearm he sustained following the team's Week 3 matchup against the Washington Redskins.

After sustaining the injury, which occurred in a single-vehicle accident unrelated to football, Burleson was optimistic about his chances to return following the team’s bye week. However, that target date was now two games ago, and he’s missed seven consecutive games.

The Lions are doing well without him, and lead the division, but getting Burleson back would be a big deal. He actually had more receptions than Calvin Johnson at the time of his injury. However, it's looking like he'll miss yet another game as his recovery takes longer than anticipated.

Fantasy Impact: Burleson will probably be an effective late-season option, but fantasy owners who have held onto him thus far will have to wait yet another week. He’s not going to play, and owners should plan accordingly. Find another receiver this week, and hopefully he will return next time out.

More fantasy football news from SB Nation:

Get live advice daily in the Fantasy War Room

Today’s fantasy football player updates

Week 11 fantasy football position rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST

Week 11 fantasy football waiver advice: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST

NFL
Best DFS picks for Patriots vs Texans in Divisional roundBest DFS picks for Patriots vs Texans in Divisional round
NFL

Chet Gresham takes us through his favorite picks for FanDuel’s Divisional round DFS matchup between the Patriots and Texans

By Chet Gresham
NFL
Best DFS picks for Bears vs Rams in Divisional roundBest DFS picks for Bears vs Rams in Divisional round
NFL

Chet Gresham takes us through his favorite picks for FanDuel’s Divisional round DFS matchup between the Bears and Rams

By Chet Gresham
NFL
Best DFS picks for Broncos vs Bills in Divisional roundBest DFS picks for Broncos vs Bills in Divisional round
NFL

Chet Gresham takes us through his favorite picks for FanDuel’s Divisional round DFS matchup between the Broncos and Bills

By Chet Gresham
NFL
Best DFS picks for Seahawks vs 49ers in Divisional roundBest DFS picks for Seahawks vs 49ers in Divisional round
NFL

Chet Gresham takes us through his favorite picks for FanDuel’s Divisional round DFS matchup between the 49ers and Seahawks

By Chet Gresham
NFL
Best DFS picks for Patriots-Chargers in Wild Card round matchupBest DFS picks for Patriots-Chargers in Wild Card round matchup
NFL

Chet Gresham takes us through his favorite picks for FanDuel’s Wild Card matchup between the Patriots and Chargers

By Chet Gresham
NFL
Best DFS picks for Jaguars-Bills in the Wild Card round matchupBest DFS picks for Jaguars-Bills in the Wild Card round matchup
NFL

Chet Gresham takes us through his favorite picks for FanDuel’s Wild Card DFS matchup between the Jaguars and Bills

By Chet Gresham