Schefter shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “A new home: Former Broncos WR Tim Patrick is expected to sign with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad with the idea that he will work his way onto the active roster, per sources.”

Patrick, who started his NFL career in 2018, has recorded 143 receptions, 2,009 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns over 53 games. His addition to the Lions’ roster has generated excitement among fans and analysts alike. Bet MGM Tonight’s Brad Evans expressed optimism, tweeting, “Call me crazy, but bet he makes an impact at some point this season.” Another fan, JayDay, added, “Jamo, Amon Ra, LaPorta, Gibbs, Montgomery, Lif … Now Tim Patrick. Come on man.”

Lions Secure WR Tim Patrick to Practice Squad

By bringing in Patrick, the Lions have added a receiver with more career receiving yards than anyone on their roster, apart from Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kalif Raymond. Patrick, who began his NFL journey as an undrafted free agent in 2017, spent time with the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers before joining the Broncos’ practice squad. He made his regular-season debut in 2018 and became a regular starter in 2020, recording 51 catches for 742 yards and 6 touchdowns that year. He followed up with another solid season in 2021, surpassing 700 receiving yards.

Despite his potential, Patrick’s recent injury history raised concerns. He missed the last two seasons due to major injuries—tearing his ACL in August 2022 and suffering a torn Achilles tendon in July 2023. These injuries led to his release by the Broncos, sparking some skepticism among Lions fans. One fan, Joseph, questioned the move on X, writing, “Tim Patrick hasn’t played a regular season game in almost 3 years. Coming off an ACL then Achilles who’s in his 30s. Why are we celebrating?”

Lions Release WRs Donovan Peoples-Jones, Daurice Fountain

In conjunction with adding Patrick, the Lions released veteran wide receivers Donovan Peoples-Jones and Daurice Fountain as part of their final roster cuts before the August 27 deadline. This left the Lions without a tall, physical receiver on their initial 53-man roster—Jameson Williams, at 6-foot-1, is currently the tallest wideout on the team. Patrick, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 212 pounds, could fill that role if he can prove himself.

Despite his absence from the field in recent years, the Lions seem to prefer Patrick’s potential over retaining Peoples-Jones or Fountain. Head coach Dan Campbell explained the decision, saying, “DPJ and Fountain are big guys, have length to them, and for their size, they can run pretty good … you wish that would show up a lot more,” as reported by MLive.com’s Kory E. Woods.

The Lions acquired Peoples-Jones from the Cleveland Browns at the 2023 trade deadline, but he managed only 5 catches for 48 yards in eight games last season. Fountain, on the other hand, has just 2 receptions for 23 yards in his NFL career.

About the Author Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter with a focus on the NFL and MLB, particularly covering the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Detroit Lions. A Pittsburgh native, Holcomb has contributed to various sports media outlets, including FanSided, Rotowire, and Yardbarkes