Nate Burleson has played in just three games this season and still sits as the third best receiver for the Detroit Lions. Could the team use him now for the second-half of the season and a playoff push? The answer is yes and yes. Burleson has been cleared for contact, but the Lions have been slow to bring him back. However, after a loss to Pittsburgh, the receiver is expected to be active Week 12.
The Lions are currently tied for the NFC North lead with a 6-4 record. The team is looking to get some help in maintaining their position for the playoffs. After a game where leading running back Reggie Bush struggled and was benched, quarterback Matthew Stafford could use a healthy regime of receivers on the field.
The Detroit News is reporting that Burleson is expected back and healthy for the team's Week 12 game. For those that might have forgotten, the receiver was out with a broken arm after attempting to save his pizza box from slipping off the passenger seat. An endorsement deal with DiGiorno is expected to come; it only seems like the natural next step. Ever heard of delivery, Burleson?
The return of Burleson would come as a welcome presence for both Stafford and Calvin Johnson. While the leading receiver appears to have no problem with it, Johnson would certainly appreciate not being double-covered on every down. Burleson would attract some of the attention away from the record-breaking receiver while being another pass catcher for Stafford when Johnson is not open.
Outside of Johnson, Kris Durham is the second-leading receiver for the Lions. He has 357 yards on the season with 29 catches. He has certainly fared well with his increased playing time, but Burleson is a better option for the team. With Ryan Broyles out for the season, Detroit is desperate for the receiver. Head coach Jim Schawrtz is downplaying his excitement over the idea that Burleson could be back soon.
"I'd caution reading too much into being out there and being back, but he is progressing well, and everybody's pleased with his progression," Schwartz said, via the Detroit Free Press. "We all know how tough a guy Nate is. If it was up to him, he probably wouldn't have missed one game, but there's only so much that you can do with healing bones and stuff. And I think the big thing with Nate is, when we do get him back - we're going to get him back - but we want to make sure that he's back for good. And to do that, we've got to avoid setbacks and stuff like that."
