Nate Burleson still expected to return in Week 10
Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson (13) runs with ball as Washington Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather (31) defends during the first half at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Lions No. 2 wide receiver Nate Burleson was on fire before an unfortunate car accident, caused by natural reactions and really tasty pizza. Burleson broke his forearm as a result, and his expected date of return has always been the Week 10 game against the Chicago Bears. The 32-year-0ld hasn’t played since Week 3, and you can only imagine just how scary the Detroit Lions offense will be once Burleson comes back; the Bears had better watch out.
Lions official site beat writer Tim Twentyman tweeted “it looks that way” when asked if Nate Burleson is still on track to suit up and play in Week 10. The Lions have their bye this week, and the expectation has been that Burleson will return in the Lions first game following the bye. He had 19 receptions for 239 yards during the first three games of the season, as defenses simply allowed Burleson to carve them up after over-focusing on Calvin Johnson. With Johnson hitting his legendary stride (329 receiving yards in a monstrous game yesterday), Matthew Stafford and the Lions offense will be that much more dominant with their No. 2 wideout back.
It will be interesting to see if Burleson receives more attention than he did earlier this season, because the Chicago Bears know a thing or two about a talented No. 2 wideout blowing games open because other teams only focused on the superstar, No. 1 guy ( you know, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery). At this point, it would be a bit of a surprise not to see Burleson back in Week 10, and it’s good to hear Twentyman state that he should be back at that time. The Lions game against the Bears that week is definitely a big one, because it has huge playoff ramifications down the road.
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