ALLEN PARK — Wide receiver Nate Burleson returned to practice today (Tuesday) wearing a helmet for the first time since he broke his left forearm on Sept. 24. 

It’s a good sign that he will be ready to play the Bears at Chicago on Sunday. He’s been saying that he wanted to be back for this game, but it all depended on the doctors’ clearance.

Calvin Johnson (knee) was on the practice field, but without a helmet. There’s a chance it could be a practice day for him.

Defensive end Ziggy Ansah, who injured his ankle in the win over the Cowboys, was missing from practice along with nickel Bill Bentley (knee), Corey Hilliard (knee) and Louis Delmas (knee). Delmas rarely practices so it could have been a rest day for him also.

The Bears, with Josh McCown at quarterback, defeated the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. ESPN reported that Jay Cutler (groin) expects to play on Sunday against the Lions.

In practice squad moves, the Lions signed tight end Martell Webb (Michigan, Pontiac Northern) and released Steven Miller.

Also, free agent defensive end Austen Lane was at the practice facility today. He worked out for the Lions in October.

In the NFC North, the Lions, Bears and Packers are all 5-3 while the Vikings are 1-7.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)