The Detroit Lions have signed Veteran receiver Tim Patrick to the practice squad. Patrick is a 6’4 208 lb. Wide receiver who went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft. After a series of partial seasons ladened by injuries, Patrick would break out in 2020 with 51 receptions 742 yards and 6 touchdowns. Patrick would follow up that season with another strong year and was rewarded with a 3-year $34 million contract extension. He would conclude that season appearing in 16 games, all of which were starts. He finished with 53 receptions for 734 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns. The next two years Patrick would miss the entirety of both season with a torn ACL in 2022, followed up by a Torn Achilles the next year.

After a quiet training camp where Patrick appeared in 2 games the Denver Broncos chose to part ways with the Veteran receiver electing to move forward with a younger core. After failing to conduct a trade, the Broncos would release Patrick, at which the Lions signed him to their practice squad.

Tim Patrick put up back to back 730+ yds & 5+ TD seasons w/ Drew Lock & Teddy Bridgewater. He is LEAGUES better than Marshall. Plus he won’t count against the 53 until he’s ready. He looked good post injury in preseason too. This is a BIG W #OnePride pic.twitter.com/N3MTg4Ibhf https://t.co/A4he4Do4YO

— Eazy (@SpeakEZsports_) August 28, 2024

ROLE WITH THE LIONS

Dan Campbell went into training camp looking to replace the void at the X receiver position left by Josh Reynolds, who ironically is now a Denver Bronco. The hopes were that hometown guy Donovan-Peoples Jones whom the Lions traded for last year would come in and takeover that role. But in the end, he was out played by Daurice Fountain and Isaiah Williams who would eventually beat out both wideouts for the final receiver spot on the roster. Although Williams showed promise with his explosive plays at wide receiver and special teams, it still left the Lions without a bigger receiver to beat press coverage and make tough 50/50 plays on the outside.

Tim Patrick is a physical receiver, with strong hands and a diverse route tree that may be able to pick up where Josh Reynolds left off. Although he may not be a factor immediately, the Lions will have him at their disposal when that opportunity arises.