Burleson fitting in with Lions

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) - All Nate Burleson wants to do is fit in.

The Detroit Lions signed the veteran receiver in the offseason hoping he would attract some of the defensive attention that had been directed at star receiver Calvin Johnson.

But Burleson has bigger plans. Rather than just making life easier for Johnson, Burleson hopes his presence helps bring balance and explosiveness to a receiving corps that ranked 21st in the NFL last season

"I don't want to make it seem like I'm everything that Detroit's been missing," Burleson said Monday. "I think I can do some things on the outside, on the inside that will open up everybody. Obviously, if we can get Calvin more individual looks in one-on-one coverage, we're going to be an even more dangerous team."

Burleson had 63 catches for 812 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games with Seattle last season. But when he arrived in Detroit, his first priority was to establish chemistry with his fellow receivers. He listened more than he talked.

The goal? To became part of the unit rather than simply the receiver brought in to take defensive pressure off of Johnson.

So far, so good.

"He's fit in since Day 1," Johnson said. "All of the receivers are cool and laid back and everybody's has their own little personality, but all of us fit. Everyone has a different attitude, but it all jells together for the betterment of the receiving corps."

Burleson's infectious personality has began to blossom. In practice, he has performed without fear, going after balls whether it meant facing off against a linebacker or a defensive back.

Burleson said that's all part of his plan to prove to his teammates he's in Detroit for all the right reasons.

"The way I've been my whole life is that you have to go and you have to grind," Burleson said. "You've got to go out there and give everything you've got. "

Lions coach Jim Schwartz said Burleson will also be in the special teams mix once the season opens. He'll limit his time on punt returns during training camp to give less experienced returners the chance to improve.

But sometime during the year, Schwartz said Burleson will get his chance.

"First quarter, fourth quarter, overtime - it's going to be some time and he's going to be ready," Schwartz said.

Burleson would prefer he's used more in certain situations rather than on a regular basis. But again, he's not afraid to step into a role if it means helping his new team win games.

"At the end of the day, it's touching the ball," Burleson said. "For me, it's another chance to get in the end zone."

Also Monday, tight end Will Heller and safety Louis Delmas were taken off the Physically Unable to Perform list and both practiced Monday morning.

Delmas had been dealing with a groin injury that, according to some reports last week, could only be taken care of with season-ending surgery. He could participate in position drills as early as Tuesday.

"The coaches are doing a great job making me work in real slow," Delmas said. "It's different coming out here than it is running inside. Once get you out here in this heat, it's tiring, but I try to do the best I can do."

Schwartz said he doesn't expect Delmas to play in the Lions preseason opener Saturday at Pittsburgh. But Schwartz liked what he saw Monday.

"We miss his personality out on the field. He brings a lot of excitement to the defense," Schwartz said. "We need to play with his personality on defense."

Running back Maurice Morris (leg) and guard Stephen Peterman (knee) missed Monday's practice with injuries.