Jim Schwartz has said that Nate Burleson is an important player for the Detroit Lions.

The wide receiver, who missed nine games with a broken leg last season, is likely to be the team's number two wideout at the start of the 2013 campaign as Ryan Broyles is recovering from a torn knee ligament.

The head coach told the team's official website: "It's important to have him out there for our offense for a lot of reasons.

"Number one, he's a good player, he brings something to the equation that goes beyond what his playing ability is.

"He still probably isn't 100%, but a lot of guys aren't 100% right now, but he's able to do what he can out there and it's a good time of year."

Single-season receiving yards record holder Calvin Johnson tops the Lions' depth charts at wide receiver.

Written by
Sian Cowper