Entering the 2024 campaign, the Detroit Lions had a major question mark with their No. 3 wide receiver behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.
Kalif Raymond was the No. 3 wide receiver by default with the uncertainty at the position, but head coach Dan Campbell made it clear the Lions didn't want to use Raymond in that role in order to free him up to do other things.
After carrying just four wideouts on their initial 53-man roster, the Lions added some to their practice squad, one of which was veteran Tim Patrick, a two-time 700-yard receiver who had suffered a pair of major injuries over the previous two seasons.
After not playing in Week 1, Patrick was elevated from the practice squad for the next two games before he was promoted to the 53-man roster in Week 4. And Patrick quickly showed the Lions they made the right move.
The former Denver Bronco had his best game of the 2024 season on Monday night, bringing in two receptions for 52 yards, with a long gain of 29. Both of his catches aided in Lions touchdown drives.
“We’re learning each other each and every day,” Patrick said of his chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff, according to Erik Schlitt of Pride of Detroit. “That’s why we practice and practice until we get it right. When we do get it right, and it’s time to really go, it’s going to be beautiful.”
Patrick's story is nothing short of inspirational. After being dealt an impossible hand after tearing his ACL in 2022 and his Achilles in 2023, Patrick appears to have gotten past that and has found a new home as the Lions' No. 3 wide receiver.
Defenses were already having issues defending St. Brown, Williams and tight end Sam LaPorta. But things are going to be even more difficult if Patrick returns to form, something he showed clear signs of doing in Week 4.
