The Detroit Lions lost their No. 3 receiver to a broken leg during Monday night’s loss to the Chicago Bears. Nate Burleson was injured after catching a 16-yard pass over the middle.
On the season Burleson, 31, had caught 27 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns.
Taking over for Burleson will be rookie Ryan Broyles. Broyles entered Monday’s game against the Bears in the third quarter and caught three passes including a touchdown.
“Man, that’s tough,” Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson said. “We lose a leader, captain on the team. Man, I hate it for him that it had to happen to him. I talked to him after the game; he saying he’s going to be out for some significant time. It’s tough because he’s an emotional leader, leads by example on the field, gets the energy up. We’re going to have to take that over for him.”
Burleson has two years and $10 million left on his contract with the Lions.
