Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson said that he would have to suffer a "major setback" for him to not play in Sunday's Week 12 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Josh Katzenstein of The Detroit News.
Nate Burleson should play barring ‘major setback’, fantasy value solid if available
Nate Burleson should play in Week 12, barring any kind of “major setback.” We break down the fantasy implications.
Patrick McDermott
Burleson said that he still has to get clearance from doctors, but that he’s going to “wake up tomorrow in preparation to be on the field and get into the game plan” to play on Sunday. Burleson is recovering from a broken forearm after a single vehicle collision on Sept. 24.
He's been able to practice for two weeks now, but he's missed his target return date by two games already. Originally, Burleson tabbed the Week 10 matchup against the Chicago Bears as a likely return date as it followed a bye week. As it stands, he's missed seven consecutive games with the injury.
Fantasy Impact: Burleson looked very good through three games to start the season. He had 19 receptions for 239 yards, though he didn't manage a touchdown before his injury. Still, he had more receptions than Calvin Johnson, and the Lions are hurting for help in the passing game at the moment. They're still in control of the NFC North, and getting Burleson back would be a boon for them and for fantasy owners in need of a late-season push.
