ALLEN PARK -- Nate Burleson's left arm is superglued together.

But that couldn't stop him from rejoining Detroit Lions practice Wednesday, albeit in a very limited capacity.

Nate Burleson models one of his the long scars along his left forearm. The incisions were superglued together.

"I want to be out there for the guys and be able to lead and talk to them," the receiver said after practice. "Every little bit helps, and we got to win this game.

"I'm not going to be a ghost wandering around the facility. I want to be seen, I want to be heard and I still want to show these guys how to approach each day in practice.'

Burleson broke his left forearm in two places during a Sept. 24 auto accident along I-696 in Farmington Hills. He underwent surgery a day later.

Two long incisions were made along the left arm, and are now held together by superglue rather than stitches.

Burleson hasn't set a timetable for a return, but said he's hoping to return before Detroit's bye week. The Lions are off after an Oct. 27 game against the Dallas Cowboys.

"If it was up to me, I'd be suiting up this weekend and putting a brace around it, but who knows (when I'll be back)," Burleson said. "I hope sooner than (the bye). If it takes until after the bye, then that's what it's going to be.

"Either way, when I get back, I'm going to be ready to rock. I left a lot of playing on the field. I'm paid to play for the Detroit Lions, so for me it's the worst thing because I'm not doing what I get paid to do."

For now, Burleson is left to rehab and some light running.

He shed his hard cast Tuesday and ran with the receivers during Wednesday's practice. He also caught tennis balls in his right hand, which helps his hand-eye coordination.

Burleson has not been cleared to catch footballs.

"Just trying to get out there, man," he said. "I can say I want to be out there all I want, but if I'm sitting inside here, I don't feel good. I'm just getting out there, moving around, gives me a little excitement and enthusiasm -- and on top of that, it helps me deal with the insanity of sitting out.

"Cast off yesterday, running around today -- who knows what tomorrow will bring."

Coach Jim Schwartz said there's some silver-lining in the fact Burleson broke his arm in the accident and not a leg.

"Because it's an arm or hand, he can keep his legs in great shape," Schwartz said. "When the arm is healed, there shouldn't be as many start-ups as maybe somebody coming off an ankle or leg injury where not only do they have to wait for the bones to heal, but then they have to get back in shape afterwards.

"I think if there is a silver-lining in that situation, that would be it."