The Detroit Lions finalized their roster on Tuesday, but fans quickly noticed something unusual—the roster included only 52 players instead of the NFL-required 53. The reason behind this became clear with a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who revealed that the Lions are expected to sign former Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick to fill the final roster spot.
Tim Patrick’s NFL Journey
Tim Patrick, who began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent, has had a winding journey through the league. After initially signing with the Baltimore Ravens in 2017, Patrick was waived before the season began. He was then claimed by the San Francisco 49ers but faced a similar fate, being waived during the final roster cuts.
Patrick’s fortunes changed when he joined the Denver Broncos. He slowly worked his way up the depth chart and by 2021, he was a key contributor to the Broncos’ offense. That season, Patrick started all 16 games, recording 53 receptions for 734 yards and five touchdowns. His consistent performance earned him a three-year, $34.5 million contract extension with Denver.
Injury Setbacks
Unfortunately, Tim Patrick’s promising career has been marred by significant injuries. In August 2022, he suffered a torn ACL during a Broncos practice, which sidelined him for the entire season. His bad luck continued in 2023 when he tore his Achilles during training camp, resulting in another season-ending injury. Despite these setbacks, Patrick’s talent and work ethic have kept him on the radar of NFL teams, including the Detroit Lions.
Why the Lions Want Tim Patrick
The Lions’ interest in Tim Patrick suggests they believe he can overcome his injury woes and contribute to their offense. With a solid track record as a reliable pass-catcher, Patrick could provide valuable depth and experience to a young Lions receiving corps. According to Schefter, the expectation is that Patrick will soon work his way onto the active roster, once he completes his recovery.
As the Lions gear up for the upcoming season, the addition of Tim Patrick could prove to be a savvy move, giving Jared Goff another weapon in the passing game and adding to the team’s overall depth at wide receiver.
