Tim Patrick's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick has been elevated from the practice squad on Saturday. That means, Patrick will be on the active roster for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Patrick was surprisingly cut by the Denver Broncos in late August. This comes after he hauled in 53 receptions for 734 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games with Denver last season. The Lions quickly scooped him up on their practice squad. Fellow wideout Isaiah Williams (abdomen) has been ruled out, which opens up a window for Patrick. However, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams remain the primary passing targets in this offense. Patrick will likely serve as depth, but will hopefully be given a chance to prove himself as a viable depth option.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Devaughn Vele drew praise from head coach Sean Payton when interviewed on Friday. Vele had been one of the standouts of Broncos camp and made the cut this week as Denver whittled down their roster to 53 in preparation for the regular season. When asked about the release of Tim Patrick, Payton remarked on the similarities between him and Vele and how the rookie reminds him of the veteran wideout. "They have like body types. They're big, they have strong hands in traffic," Payton said. "They're smart. They're tough. They catch it well. They block. Devaughn is a guy that I see in a similar way." Given his blocking ability and frame (6-foot-5), the former Utah Ute may see the field in his inaugural season. Additionally, the Broncos have little proven depth behind an aging Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds. Vele will compete with second-year wideout Marvin Mims Jr. and fellow rookie Troy Franklin for playing time in Denver's third wide receiver slot but can be safely avoided by fantasy managers for the time being.

Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick is expected to sign with the Detroit Lions. Patrick did not make the Broncos' final 53-man roster earlier on Tuesday and appears to have found his new home. Patrick has battled injuries in recent years. He has not played since the 2021 season due to a torn ACL in 2022 and a torn Achilles in 2023. Before his injuries, Patrick was productive when healthy. His signing is slightly worrisome for fantasy managers hoping for more production from Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams. However, this could just be a depth move for a Lions team that has several unproven names behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Williams, and Kalif Raymond. Patrick is 30 years old after all and coming off two significant injuries.UPDATE: Patrick is expected to sign with Detroit's practice squad with the idea that he will work his way onto the active roster, according to sources.