ALLEN PARK -- Nate Burleson's road to recovery has begun, and he hopes to be back in a Detroit Lions uniform by November.

Ken Sarnoff, the agent for the Detroit Lions receiver, tweeted Wednesday that Burleson had successful surgery to repair two broken bones in his left forearm.

Burleson sustained the injury during the wee hours of Tuesday morning, when he was distracted by sliding pizza boxes in his car and crashed into the I-696 median.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz has said Burleson won't go on injured reserve, and maintains hope he'll play again this season.

ESPN reported Burleson is aiming for a November return, citing an anonymous team source.

Until then, Detroit is figuring out how to replace the production of its leading receiver. Burleson has 19 catches through three games, while Calvin Johnson has 18 and the next closest wideout has three.

The Lions signed receiver Charles Hawkins to their practice squad Wednesday, and have inquired about possible bigger moves, although none have come to fruition.

For now, Broyles is expected to start in the slot. Click here for a full analysis of how Detroit could replace Burleson.