Five Wide Receivers The Detroit Lions Could Target Post Nate Burleson Injury

Sep 22, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) celebrates with free safety Louis Delmas (26) and wide receiver Nate Burleson (13) after their game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. The Lions won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Nate Burleson, the Detroit Lions wide receiver, broke his arm early this morning while returning home from a teammate gathering — reportedly watching the Monday Night Football game. According to the team, he is undergoing surgery sometime today and is expected to miss time.

But how much time will that be? No one knows, yet. The Lions already used their Injury Reserve designation with running back Montel Owens, meaning the team will either keep him on the 53-man roster despite the injury, or lose him for the season by placing him on IR.

So, we look into five receivers that could make an immediate impact for the Lions.

• 1. Lavelle Hawkins: FA, 5’11, 194 lbs. –

The Lions brought Hawkins in for a workout yesterday, along with two other wide receivers — unknown at this time. Hawkins was a fourth round pick in 2008, playing five seasons with the Tennessee Titans. His best season came in 2011, tallying 47 receptions for 470 yards and one touchdown. He was released from the San Francisco 49ers, after two personal foul calls put him at fritz with the coaching staff.

• 2. Mohammed Massoquoi: FA, 6’2, 207 lbs. –

An obvious choice for a connection with the Lions, Massoquoi was Matthew Stafford’s favorite choice at the University of Georgia, catching 58 passes for 920 yards and eight scores his senior year in 2008, tallying 118 catches for 1,745 yards and seven touchdowns in his Georgia Bulldog career.

He was selected in the second round of the 2009 draft by the Cleveland Browns and has 118 receptions for 1,745 yards and seven touchdowns. His best season came in his rookie season when he tallied 34 receptions for 624 yards and three touchdowns.

• 3. Laurent Robinson: FA, 6’2, 205 lbs. –

Robinson is an intriguing prospect for the Lions at receiver. He has good size and ability to play outside the numbers, yet has battled concussion issues throughout last season. According to a report, he was cleared in July by an Orlando based clinic.

Robinson has 112 receptions for 1,454 yards and 13 touchdowns, including 11 in 2011 for the Dallas Cowboys, over the last three seasons. He is a six year NFL veteran.

•  4. Steve Breaston: FA, 6′, 189 lbs –

The Lions brought Breaston in twice for a visit throughout the offseason, and will likely take a look at him again. The former Michigan star has 255 receptions, 3,387 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in his career. His best season came in 2008 with the Arizona Cardinals, racking up 77 catches for 1,006 yards and three touchdowns. He returns kickoffs, too.

• 5. Josh Gordon: Cleveland Browns, 6’3, 225 lbs. –

After the trade of running back Trent Richardson in Cleveland, Gordon’s name has come up in many trade discussions. He has a checkered past, and may be too risky for Martin Mayhew to gamble on. But, still, his 10 receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown in his lone game of 2013 is nothing to laugh off. The Baylor University product had 50 receptions for 805 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie.

Bradley La Brie is a Columnist for Detroit Jock City, Lead NFC North Contributor at Pro Football Central and NFL Draft analyst. He played College Football at Michigan Technological University.