Sep 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson (13) leaps over Minnesota Vikings cornerback Josh Robinson (21) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson is back at practice and has been cleared to face live competition but it sounds like the wait to play in a game will continue. ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted earlier this afternoon that the plan is currently to sit Burleson at least another week:

Lions do not plan to play WR Nate Burleson on Sunday vs. PITT despite fact that he is practicing and feels recovered from broken arm. — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 14, 2013

The early thought was that Burleson might be able to return as soon as last week, but that obviously didn’t happen. With the team performing well there has been no reason to rush him back and it sounds like this decision is based more on that thinking than anything else.

With the a game against the weak Tampa Bay Buccaneers up next before a short week for Thanksgiving, it is worth wondering if Burleson may not see the field until the Packers come to town.