Stephen A. Smith has predicted that the Detroit Lions will clinch the NFC North title but has raised concerns about the team’s capability to secure a Super Bowl victory.
In a notable move, former Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick is anticipated to join the Detroit Lions’ practice squad, with hopes of eventually making it onto the active roster, according to sources. The Broncos let Patrick go on Tuesday while finalizing their roster to 53 players.
Broncos general manager George Paton expressed high praise for Patrick on Tuesday, stating, “On behalf of everyone in the organization, I just can’t say enough great things about the type of player, the person, Tim Patrick while he has been a Bronco for the past seven seasons.”
Patrick has faced challenges in the past two seasons due to injuries but has returned to full training camp participation this year, recording five receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown during the preseason. He was sidelined for the entirety of the 2022 season after tearing his ACL in training camp and missed the 2023 season due to a torn Achilles tendon.
At 30 years old, Patrick has made a mark in the league with 143 receptions, totaling 2,009 yards and 12 touchdowns across 55 games. His journey includes overcoming difficulties after being waived by the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers in 2017, working his way up from the Broncos’ practice squad to a crucial offensive role.
The Lions showed interest in Patrick following the release of veterans Donovan Peoples-Jones and Daurice Fountain, both of whom struggled to secure their positions during training camp and preseason. Patrick’s addition could bolster the team’s depth and serve as a key role player in their offense.
Lions coach Dan Campbell noted the potential advantages of having a larger wide receiver on the roster, emphasizing versatility. “It helps, and I think a lot of it is — it comes into those one-on-ones to where, ‘OK, you don’t always have to be in these cut-splits. Man, you can just get out there and it’s one-on-one and if you like the matchup, who cares if he’s pressed? Our guy is going to beat your guy,’” Campbell explained. “And [Lions QB Jared] Goff is put into position to where he can play rebound, he can play big boys in the box and down on the block and is going to make a play for you.”