Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson has been upgraded to "full" in Thursday's practice report. This all but confirms he will be suiting up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Nate Burleson gets full practice Thursday, on track to make fantasy return
Nate Burleson was upgraded to a full participant in practice and is set to make his return in Week 12. We break down the fantasy implications.
Patrick McDermott
Burleson missed the past seven games after breaking his arm in a car accident. He was placed on injury reserve with a designation to return. Burleson has been practicing on a limited basis in the past couple weeks and should make his return in time for the Lions’ playoff push. He had 19 catches for 239 yards and a touchdown before the injury.
Fantasy impact: Burleson will be a welcome return for the Lions, who could desperately use a more credible wingman for Calvin Johnson. He should immediately assume the No. 2 receiver role and make Kris Durham irrelevant in fantasy. There are plenty of targets to go around in Detroit's pass-happy offense, making Burleson a worthy WR3/WR4 for the fantasy playoffs.
• Week 12 fantasy football position rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
