Nate Burleson has revealed that he is optimistic of a sooner-than-expected return from a broken arm.

The Detroit Lions wide receiver needed surgery to repair a fracture after being involved in a single-vehicle car crash earlier this week, leading to speculation that he could be out until November.

The 32-year-old, who lost control of his vehicle while trying to keep hold of a pizza, told the team's official website: "Hearing from them before the surgery and after the surgery and even walking in today, I'm doing a lot of things that I shouldn't be doing at this point, which means my body is responding and my muscles are firing.

"I don't want throw numbers out there, but I'll be back sooner than a lot of people would expect. Good thing is, I walked away with injuries to my arm from a totaled vehicle which is a blessing. You look at the car, I'll take this any day of the week.

"The guys are giving me a little bit of crap and asking me what kind of pizza it was. I'll take it. Until I get back on the field I gotta take all the jokes. Just to see them guys smile again and welcome me back is good."

Burleson recorded 239 receiving yards during the team's first three games of the season.