Nate Burleson underwent surgery Wednesday after breaking his forearm in two places in an unfortunate car accident caused by sliding front-seat pizza.
Burleson's agent tweeted Wednesday that the surgery went well for the Detroit Lions' veteran wide receiver.
Burleson hopes to return by November at the latest, ESPN reported, and expects to be on the sideline Sunday when the Lionstake on the Chicago Bears for the NFC North division lead.
Getting Burleson back for the stretch run might prove huge dividends if the receiver-needy team can stay in contention without him.
Given his late season return, the Lions' leading pass catcher after three weeks won't go on injured reserve. Unfortunately that means he will take up a valuable roster spot while he rehabs the pizza-induced injury.
The Lions already used their IR-designated to return spot. Each team gets one per season so a player injured early in the season has a chance of coming back. An important piece like Burleson is the perfect candidate for the designation.
The Lions used their IR-recall spot on ... wait for it ... special teams star Montell Owens, who injured his knee in the third preseason game.
On the bright side, that means Burleson can return as soon as he's healthy.
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