Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson could return for Week 12, according to head coach Jim Schwartz, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Schwartz said Burleson's return next time out is a "possibility."
Nate Burleson could return for Lions, fantasy owners in Week 12
Nate Burleson could return in Week 12 for the Detroit Lions. We break down the fantasy implications.
Patrick McDermott
Burleson's return has been delayed multiple times. He's still recovering from a broken forearm which he sustained in a single-vehicle accident earlier in the season. Burleson sustained the injury following the team's Week 3 game against the Washington Redskins, and has missed seven consecutive games.
After the injury occurred, Burleson said he was targeting a return after the team's bye week, which was Week 9. That makes his return two weeks late already. Detroit plays the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12, and given their spotty secondary, Burleson's potential return could go well.
Fantasy Impact: Before getting injured, Burleson actually had more receptions than Calvin Johnson, the best receiver in the NFL. He was working well as a WR2 or WR3 for fantasy owners, but they had to look elsewhere when he was injured. He could be a solid fantasy option right away if he plays on Sunday and could help fantasy owners deeper into the season, but owners should wait to hear more throughout the week before making a decision.
