Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick may appear youthful and energized, but the veteran admits he’s been battling some early frustration during training camp. Despite being part of Detroit’s offense last season, Patrick has struggled to fully find his rhythm this time around.
“It’s been a bit of an adjustment,” Patrick said, acknowledging that he’s started off slower than expected. “This type of training camp is a first for me. But I can assure you, come the regular season, I’ll be hitting my stride.”
With the Lions set to open the season on September 7 against the Green Bay Packers, Patrick remains optimistic about his readiness. Last year, he made a late arrival to the roster but ended up playing a pivotal role. After back-to-back injury-plagued seasons with the Denver Broncos that kept him off the field in 2022 and 2023, Patrick made an impression in Detroit by stepping up as a dependable third option at receiver. He started nine games, hauling in 33 receptions for 394 yards, and earned a top-six finish in Comeback Player of the Year voting.
Now heading into his 32nd birthday this November, Patrick appears physically healthy and refreshed following his first full offseason of training in years. Quarterback Jared Goff even commented on his rejuvenated appearance and performance.
“He seems quicker than he did a year ago,” Goff said. “It’s like he’s aging in reverse.”
While Patrick feels great physically, he admitted that the results aren’t showing as clearly in training camp.
“I felt good in OTAs, so it’s frustrating that it’s not translating right now,” Patrick said. “Camp is a different beast, and I know I need to step things up.”
However, increased competition for snaps could complicate Patrick’s path. Kalif Raymond has made a strong return from injury, and the Lions may lean more on personnel packages involving two tight ends or running backs. Additionally, rookies Isaac TeSlaa and Dominic Lovett—drafted in the third and seventh rounds, respectively—have impressed during practice sessions. TeSlaa offers a similar physical profile to Patrick, while Lovett could earn playing time due to his versatility on special teams.
Still, Patrick is inspired by the younger players’ efforts and the overall energy of the team.
“This is easily one of the toughest camps I’ve been in,” he said. “Seeing how hard these guys work pushes me to raise my level. I’ve slipped a bit, and they’ve picked up the slack.”
His history with offensive coordinator John Morton—who was with Denver in 2023—could also give Patrick an edge as he reestablishes his place in the offense. He remains confident in his ability to make an impact, particularly when facing lower-tier defensive backs.
“At the end of the day, it’s about beating the fourth corner on the depth chart,” Patrick said with a grin. “That should be doable.”
As camp continues, Patrick’s sole focus is on being fully prepared for Week 1.
“I’ve worked too hard for this not to pay off,” he said. “I know it will.”
