After nine weeks on the shelf with a broken arm, Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson came back in a big way Sunday, catching seven passes for 77 yards and a touchdown for a season-high 13 fantasy points against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was Burleson's biggest fantasy performance since Week 15 of 2011. Thursday, he looks to continue his hot return as the Lions take on the division rival Green Bay Packers in a Thanksgiving game.
In four games on the season, Burleson has 26 catches for 316 yards and a score. In Burleson's 11-year career, he's only played 16 games five times, and only once since 2008; injuries are a definite hazard his fantasy owners have to be aware of.
Fantasy impact: Burleson was targeted a season-high 10 times Sunday, as star wide receiver Calvin Johnson was covered by Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis. The Packers don't have a defensive player of nearly Revis' caliber, so odds are quarterback Matthew Stafford can go to his security blanket more often than he could in Sunday's game.
Burleson is pretty qualified to be the No. 2 receiver the Lions have been looking for, but Johnson and running back Reggie Bush are still the team's top offensive weapons, and will have to continue to be for the Lions to win the NFC North. Burleson is always an option for the team, but for now, he's probably a Sit in Week 13, albeit one that has potential.
More fantasy football news from SB Nation:
• Get live advice daily in the Fantasy War Room
• Today's fantasy football player updates