Stephen A. Smith has confidently declared the Detroit Lions as his pick to win the NFC North, although he expressed some doubts about the team’s potential to clinch a Super Bowl title.
In a notable move, former Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick is set to join the Detroit Lions’ practice squad, with plans for him to eventually secure a spot on the active roster, according to sources. The Broncos parted ways with Patrick while finalizing their roster to 53 players.
Broncos general manager George Paton praised Patrick’s contributions to the team during his seven seasons in Denver. “On behalf of everyone in the organization, I just can’t say enough great things about the type of player and person Tim Patrick has been while he has been a Bronco,” Paton stated.
Patrick has faced significant challenges in recent years, missing the last two seasons due to injuries. However, he made a strong return to training camp this year and recorded five receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown during the preseason. He missed the 2022 season due to a torn ACL sustained in training camp and was sidelined for the 2023 season with a torn Achilles tendon.
Throughout his career, Patrick has emerged as a reliable target, accumulating 143 receptions for 2,009 yards and 12 touchdowns in 55 games.
The Lions showed interest in Patrick after releasing wide receivers Donovan Peoples-Jones and Daurice Fountain, as neither was able to stand out during training camp. Patrick’s addition will bolster the team’s depth and offers a potential key player in the offensive lineup.
Lions coach Dan Campbell emphasized the importance of having a larger wide receiver on the roster, acknowledging that it could provide a versatile option for the team. “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 commented. He added that quarterback Jared Goff is positioned to take advantage of these matchups, enhancing the team’s offensive strategy.