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| DET - Nate Burleson has shed weight - |
Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (leg) showed quickness during organized team activities (OTAs) Wednesday, May 22. He has also lost weight, dropping from 198 to 192 pounds to add speed.
Footballguys view: The Lions are looking to Burleson to pick up the slack in the passing game behind superstar Calvin Johnson. He could be in line for 50-60 catches this season as their WR2. His targets should decline when Ryan Broyles is fully healthy.
| DET - Nate Burleson takes part in workout - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (leg) fully participated during organized team activities Wednesday, May 22.
| DET - Nate Burleson favorite for No. 2 WR job - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (leg) appears to be the leading candidate for the No. 2 wide receiver job. He has been running routes and catching passes during offseason workouts.
Footballguys view: No surprise here. Second-year WR Ryan Broyles might not be ready for the start of the regular season as he comes back from another knee injury. Rookie Corey Fuller will compete with guys like Mike Thomas and Kris Durham for the third WR spot behind Calvin Johnson and Burleson.
| DET - Nate Burleson says he's ahead of schedule - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (leg) said he's running and jumping three months ahead of schedule.
| DET - Under the salary cap - |
The Detroit Lions are currently $5 million under the salary cap after restructuring the deals of C Dominic Raiola and WR Nate Burleson.
| DET - GM happy Nate Burleson returning - |
Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said he is happy WR Nate Burleson will be on the team next season because of his play on the field and his leadership on the team. 'He just brings a lot to the table,' Mayhew said. 'He makes plays for us, moves the chains on third downs and just a great teammate, great guy to have in the locker room, a solid veteran presence on our team. Gives us a lot of leadership and we've been talking about we need more leaders. He's one of the leaders we need so we're glad to have him with us.'
| DET - Got around $5.5 million in cap space with restructurings - |
The Detroit Lions created around $5.5 million in salary cap space by restructuring the contracts of WR Nate Burleson and C Dominic Raiola.
| DET - Nate Burleson restructures deal - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson has agreed to restructure his contract in order for the Lions to create some salary cap space. The details of the restructuring are not known at this point.
| DET - Nate Burleson recruiting Reggie Bush - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson is trying to convince Miami Dolphins impending free-agent RB Reggie Bush to sign with the team in the offseason. 'I know it's not as sunny, and it might not be the same type of glitz and glamor, but you can do wonders for us,' Burleson said during a television interview with NFL Network Monday, Feb. 18. 'He came from USC, and everybody knows he can go out there and shake a little bit, wiggle a little bit and break that big run. And for him to put up two 1,000-yard seasons the last couple years proves that he's still an elite running back. And if I can get Reggie Bush in a Detroit Lions uniform, ooh-wee, watch out.'
Footballguys view: The Lions are in the market for a change of pace back. They could draft one this year, or they could add a player like Bush in free agency.
| DET - Two could have bigger roles - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (leg) and WR Ryan Broyles (knee) could have larger roles in the offense next season with WR Titus Young gone. Burleson is coming off a broken leg but should be ready for the start of the offseason program. Broyles is coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament and won't be ready until training camp.
Footballguys view: We think Broyles has the ability to be a top 20 WR when healthy but he's had two major knee injuries in two years. Burleson is a fine veteran but the Lions will need to add better weapons in the passing game this offseason.
| DET - Nate Burleson could restructure contract - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson could be asked to restructure his current contract to help the team get under the salary cap in 2013. Burleson is slated to count $6.531 million against the cap this season and $7.531 million in 2014. He is believed to want to finish his career in Detroit.
| DET - Will monitor Nate Burleson's rehab - |
Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said the team will monitor WR Nate Burleson's (leg) rehab from his broken leg this offseason because he is scheduled to count against $6.5 million the salary cap next season. Burleson has indicated that he is willing to take a pay cut to stay with the team.
| DET - Titus Young could return - |
Detroit Lions WR Titus Young could return to the team next season, according to head coach Jim Schwartz. "There's a chance," Schwartz said. "There is a process involved there. He's a very talented player and obviously made a difference when he was on the field and it, particularly with the way the injuries went with Nate Burleson and then later (Ryan) Broyles, it affected the team not having him out there." Young got sent home for behavioral issues and was eventually placed in Injured Reserve late in the 2012 season.
Footballguys view: Young needs to grow up if he wants to make it in the NFL. We've seen other players go through this crucible and come out better for it. We'll see if Young can be one of those success stories.
| DET - Nate Burleson injury update - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (leg) said he is a few weeks ahead of schedule in his rehab from a leg injury. Burleson said he plans to be ready for organized team activities.
| DET - IR stint could be good for Titus Young - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson said he hopes time on Injured Reserve will help WR Titus Young (knee) mature. Aside from lining up incorrectly, running wrong routes, arguing with coaches and sulking during games, Young was also frequently late for meetings. Things were getting tense in the locker room between Young and the leaders of the team. 'I haven't talked to Titus and I haven't talked to the coaches about specifically what's going on with him. You just hope that a young talent like this gets a chance to show his ability, because this league is the N.F.L. - Not For Long,' Burleson said. 'If you don't take advantage of opportunities, sometimes it's tough to get chances.'
Footballguys view: Young's dynasty stock has certainly taken a hit with these maturity issues. There's a chance he's played his final game with the Lions. If he does stay with the team and grows up over the offseason we still believe in his talent. He's a buy low candidate in dynasty leagues so long as the price is very low to offset the risk.
| DET - Nate Burleson unsure of his future - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (leg) realizes he may not have much of a future with the team, particularly with the development of young WRs Titus Young and Ryan Broyles. 'With them balling out completely it could leave me the odd man out. That's just the reality of the game,' Burleson said. '... Once I heal up, I'm going to come back at a high level. If my spot is secure on this team, then I'm going to continue to do what I do and lead and be the person that I was before I got banged up. If not, then hopefully I'll put the young guys in a position that they can easily take my place.'
| DET - Nate Burleson to IR - |
The Detroit Lions placed WR Nate Burleson (leg) on the Injured Reserve Wednesday, Oct. 24, and signed free-agent DE Kendrick Adams (Jaguars) to the practice squad. Also, CB Lionel Smith (undisclosed) was put on the practice squad Injured Reserve.
| DET - Nate Burleson needs surgery on broken leg - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (leg) needs surgery on his broken leg, and he could be out about eight months.
| DET - Nate Burleson done for year - |
Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz confirmed WR Nate Burleson (leg) suffered a broken leg in the second half of the Week 7 game against the Chicago Bears Monday, Oct. 22, and he is done for the season.
Footballguys view: Without Burleson in the lineup we'll see more from guys like Titus Young and Ryan Broyles. Young has been inconsistent up to this point in his career and now the team really needs him to elevate his game.
| DET - Nate Burleson carted to locker room - |
Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (knee) was carted off to the locker room in the third quarter of the Week 7 game against the Chicago Bears. He was holding his right knee during the ride after being unable to put much weight on his leg on the sidelines.
| DET - Nate Burleson suffers injury - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (knee) suffered an apparent right knee injury after he was tackled after a third quarter reception in Week 7 against the Chicago Bears Monday, Oct. 22.
| DET - Nate Burleson has TD celebration planned - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson was fined $10,000 for a touchdown celebration in Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles. He said the fine won't deter him from future celebrations. 'I'll have something for Chicago,' he said. 'I'm not going to stop celebrating.'
| DET - Two return to practice - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (undisclosed) and LB DeAndre Levy (undisclosed) returned to practice Thursday, Oct. 18.
| DET - Six players miss practice - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (undisclosed), DE Cliff Avril (back), DT Corey Williams (knee), LB DeAndre Levy (undisclosed), CB Bill Bentley (shoulder) and CB Jacob Lacey (concussion) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 17.
| DET - Nate Burleson expects Matt Stafford to play next week - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson said he expects QB Matthew Stafford (hamstring) to be ready for the team's Week 4 game. If he is not ready, Burleson said he everyone saw what QB Shaun Hill could come in and do.
| DET - Nate Burleson slims down - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson, noticeably lighter this training camp, is working extremely hard this summer to prove he still belongs on the roster. Burleson has been motivated by the team selecting wide receivers in the last two drafts, and he is working harder than he ever has this offseason. He is down to 194 pounds after playing around 205 pounds last season, and he said he is a step quicker as a result. 'I just tightened up on my diet and lifted a little bit harder, ran a little bit more,' Burleson said. 'I figure if I gained weight, I'm going to solidify myself as a slot for the rest of my career. If I lose a little bit of weight and show my agility and my speed, I still have the versatility to help this offense on the outside.'
Footballguys view: Burleson actually finished as a strong WR2/WR3 play in PPR leagues in the second half of the year, but his playing time is being threatened by rookie Ryan Broyles. If Nate Burleson is the full-time slot receiver again this year, he'll be a steal in PPR leagues, where he is sometimes going undrafted.
| DET - Nate Burleson compares Calvin Johnson to Randy Moss - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson compared teammate WR Calvin Johnson to San Francisco 49ers WR Randy Moss, who played with Burleson on the Minnesota Vikings. 'Very similar,' Burleson said. 'Calvin might be slightly stronger. Moss might be slightly faster. They can go back and forth on the attributes, physically. They both have a high IQ for the game. Both (have) extremely strong hands. And they're freaks of nature.'
| DET - Nate Burleson willing to help Titus Young - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson said he is willing to help WR Titus Young even though he knows Young will be taking his starting job at some point. 'I told Titus, I said, 'Look. There's no question that you're brought here to take my position. That's what you're brought here to do. And by the time I'm done, you should be ready to take that and you should be on your way to a new contract. And if you're not in those two positions, I don't think I did my job well enough,'' Burleson said.
Footballguys view: Great leadership from the veteran here as he takes the second-year WR under his wing in a move that could cost him his starting job. Young could be a breakout player this season, and fantasy owners can add him in the mid 8th round. Coming out of Boise State in 2011 some in the scouting community compared Young to Eagles WR DeSean Jackson.
| DET - Nate Burleson likely will make team - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson likely will make the final roster even if WR Ryan Broyles jumps over him on the depth chart.
Footballguys view: Earlier this offseason Burleson agreed to restructure his contract to save the team some cap space. Broyles is talented but may have to begin the season on the PUP list as he recovers from the knee injury he sustained last October.
| DET - Nate Burleson restructures contract - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson has agreed to restructure his contract in order to create salary cap space for the team. Burleson saved the team more than $2.17 million in salary cap space by converting his $4 million base salary for 2012 to the veteran minimum.
| DET - GM not looking to restructure two player's contracts - |
Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said he has told WR Nate Burleson and DT Corey Williams that the team does not have any plans to do anything with their contracts at this point.
| DET - Nate Burleson might be jettisoned - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson might be cut during the offseason, as the team struggles with the salary cap heading into 2012, while also trying to improve the team to become more competitive.
Footballguys view: If Burleson is let go, look at that as a big vote of confidence in Titus Young entering his second season. The high caliber passing game should make Young a top late-round sleeper in fantasy drafts whether Burleson is kept or not.
| DET - Nate Burleson totals 94 yards from scrimmage - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson had six receptions for 83 yards in Week 16 against the San Diego Chargers, and he added an 11-yard run. Burleson has 164 receiving yards over the past two games, his best two-game stretch of the season.
Footballguys view: Burleson had a dry stretch mid-season, but he came on to be a very nice complementary receiver in December and helped teams in deep PPR leagues. Burleson should enter 2012 as the co-#2 receiver with Titus Young.
| DET - Nate Burleson posts 81 yards, score - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson had seven receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown in Week 15 against the Oakland Raiders. It was Burleson's first trip to the end zone since Week 11, and just his third score of the season.
Footballguys view: Burleson had a dry stretch in the middle of the season, but he is looking like a nice flex play and certainly quality depth for the championship week.
| DET - Several players fined - |
Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew was fined $25,000 for pushing an official during the team's Week 13 game. Also, WRs Nate Burleson and Stefan Logan were each fined $7,500 for their actions in the same game.
| DET - Nate Burleson leads team in receiving in Week 13 - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson had five receptions for a team-high 93 yards in Week 13 against the New Orleans. Burleson committed three offensive pass interference penalties on the night.
Footballguys view: Burleson looked good on his receptions, but his gaffes were costly. He is still only a flex play at best.
| DET - Nate Burleson, Titus Young get plenty of work - |
Detroit Lions WRs Nate Burleson and Titus Young were busy in Week 10 against the Chicago Bears. Burleson ended up with eight receptions for a game-high 83 yards, while Young managed seven grabs for 74 yards.
Footballguys view: The numbers were more the by-product of a rare off game by Calvin Johnson and a ridiculous amount of garbage time attempts by Matthew Stafford than any big change in the Lions passing game.
| DET - Nate Burleson restructures contract - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson restructured his contract last week to clear nearly $820,000 in salary cap space.
| DET - Calvin Johnson not targeted in red zone in Week 6 - |
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson, who was double teamed almost the entire game in Week 6 by the San Francisco 49ers, wasn't targeted once in 11 plays in the red zone. 'When we got to (the) sideline, he was like, 'I know it's a tough read for (QB Matthew Stafford) with two guys on me, but I'll box them out,' WR Nate Burleson said. 'He was like 'Give me a chance and I'll go up there and go get it.''
Footballguys view: Inexcusable, considering Stafford threw into double coverage to Johnson successfully from outside of the red zone for a TD earlier this year.
| SF - Carlos Rogers likely to shadow Nate Burleson - |
San Francisco 49ers CB Carlos Rogers is likely to cover the slot receiver Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson in Week 6.
Footballguys view: Rogers has played great football since joining 49ers, and he is likely to keep Burleson's cold streak going.
| DET - Nate Burleson, reserve WRs do little - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson had just one catch for six yards in the Week 5 game against the Chicago Bears Monday, Oct. 10. WR Titus Young posted two grabs for 14 yards, while WRs Stefan Logan and Maurice Stovall did not have any catches or targets.
| DET - Nate Burleson to miss final preseason game - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (elbow) will sit out of the team's final preseason game with an elbow contusion.
Footballguys view: Burleson is getting ready for week one of the regular season after breaking the incision on his elbow during the last preseason game. He'll see plenty of single coverage starting opposite Calvin Johnson and deserves a look as a late round flyer in deep leagues.
| DET - Five miss practice - |
Detroit Lions CB Alphonso Smith (foot), OT Johnny Culbreath (undisclosed), DT Nick Fairley (foot), OT Jason Fox (foot) and WR Nate Burleson (elbow) did not take part in practice Tuesday, Aug. 30.
| DET - Matthew Stafford has another solid outing - |
Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford was six of 10 passing for 85 yards in four series with a touchdown pass to WR Nate Burleson in the team's preseason game against the Cleveland Browns Friday, Aug. 19. It was the second week in a row he connected with Burleson for a score.
Footballguys view: Burleson caught seven passes in each of the two games that Stafford started and finished last year. He's a great bench pick in PPR leagues.
| DET - Nate Burleson injury update - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (elbow), who had offseason elbow surgery, took part in all of the team's activities during the first day of training camp.
Footballguys view: Burleson is a good deep sleeper in PPR leagues. He seemed to be much more prominent for Matthew Stafford than the TEs that Shaun Hill favored as secondary receivers when he was in the lineup.
| DET - Nate Burleson to undergo minor surgery - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (elbow) said he will be undergoing minor surgery to have fluid drained and a bursa sac removed in his elbow.
Footballguys view: Burleson's right elbow swells up from time to time after an injury last November. It's a minor procedure and the veteran should be ready to go by the time training camp starts.
| DET - Burleson doesn't believe double teams leaving Megatron - |
Tom Kowalski, from MLive.com, reports veteran WR Nate Burleson doesn't believe the arrival of rookie Titus Young will draw double teams away from superstar Calvin Johnson. "No, (Johnson's) just too good. He's just too damn good,'' Burleson said. "Occasionally you'd see a team throw one-on-one coverage out there and they'd get burned. No, no matter what talent we surround him with, he's going to attract the attention. No matter how many people you put on the Lakers, Kobe Bryant's still going to get double-teamed. Calvin is that type of individual, he's one of the best in the game and he's always going to get that type of coverage.''
Footballguys view: Titus Young will see single coverage this year, and 'Don Mega' Calvin Johnson will continue to see double coverage. Young has the speed to get on top of a defense in a hurry but will not pull any safety help away from Johnson's side of the field.
| DET - Nate Burleson productive Week 17 - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson caught six passes for 83 yards and one touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17, according to The Associated Press.
Footballguys view: Burleson overcame an early season ankle injury to have a nice season as a secondary receiver. He should continue to be productive as long as defenses are distracted by Calvin Johnson.
| DET - Nate Burleson expected to play - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (hamstring) fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 10, reports Dave Birkett, of the Detroit Free Press. He is listed as probable for Week 14 and is expected to play.
| DET - Nate Burleson a full go Thursday - |
Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (hamstring) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 9.
