Nate Burleson intends to play in Week 12

Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson wouldn't go as far as to say he's playing Sunday against Tampa Bay, but he sounded fairly optimistic Tuesday about his chances.

The 11-year veteran hasn't played since Week 3 after breaking his left forearm in a one-vehicle crash on I-696 on Sept. 24, but he's practiced on a limited basis for the past two weeks.

For Burleson not to play Sunday, there would have to be a "major setback," he said.

"My mindset is that I want to play," Burleson said. "I've still got to meet with the doctors this week, still got to get clearance. I'm not saying that I am playing for sure, but in my mind, I'm going to wake up tomorrow in preparation to be on the field and get into the game plan and try to play on Sunday."

Fantasy Impact: 

Burleson was the #42 WR in standard formats through three weeks, but ranked #29 in PPR formats, so he could be useful down the stretch provided he plays a full complement of snaps. Kris Durham has played pretty well in his place, so Burleson may be eased into the lineup.

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