Why veteran Lions WR is frustrated despite Jared Goff saying he ‘pulled a Benjamin Button’

“This is my first camp with this team. I know I was around last year, but training camp is when you really learn who’s who. You bond, battle through the grind together — it’s a tough stretch,” Patrick explained. “I started a bit slow, but I’ll be ready when the season kicks off. No excuses.”

This offseason has marked a significant milestone for Patrick — it’s his first healthy one since preparing for the 2022 season. After suffering an ACL tear followed by an Achilles injury, he missed two consecutive years and was released by the Denver Broncos. He joined Detroit prior to the 2024 season and worked his way into a contributing role.

In 2024, Patrick filled the WR3 role for the Lions, playing in all 16 games and starting nine. He caught 33 passes for 394 yards and scored three touchdowns. Much of that year was about shaking off the rust, learning the offensive system, and rebuilding chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff. Patrick offered a big-bodied red zone option behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

Quarterback Jared Goff had some praise for Patrick, joking that he’s aging in reverse like “Benjamin Button” after seeing how sharp he looked following the offseason. Patrick laughed off the comment, adding, “Not today, though.” He admitted his frustration, saying, “I put in a lot of work and I’m upset it’s not showing yet. But it will.”

Patrick has a history with new offensive coordinator John Morton from their time together in Denver, which could help his comfort level as he continues to adjust. But the buzz around training camp has largely centered on third-round rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa, who’s turned heads with his physical play, hustle, and versatility — including a highlight-reel block that helped spring a touchdown during a night practice, and even work on special teams as a gunner.

Head coach Dan Campbell came to Patrick’s defense when asked about his slow start and self-critical comments. “Tim’s a tough self-evaluator,” Campbell said. “He hasn’t been targeted much, and that’s tough as a receiver when you’re doing the grunt work but not getting the ball.”

Campbell emphasized that the veteran’s performance isn’t as disappointing as Patrick suggests. “We know who Tim is — dependable, tough, smart. He’s just stacking good days and will be fine.”

As TeSlaa continues to impress and outpace expectations for a rookie coming from a small-school background (Hillsdale via Arkansas), he’s making a strong case for early playing time. The Lions even traded up in the draft using three third-round picks to select him, a move that now looks increasingly promising.

While Patrick remains the likely WR3 going into the regular season, the growing emergence of TeSlaa could push for more snaps if he keeps producing. Still, Campbell’s trust in Patrick and the growing connection with Goff means the veteran isn’t going anywhere just yet.

Patrick, reflecting on the competition in camp, seemed motivated: “This is probably the most intense training camp I’ve been part of. Seeing the rookies, especially the receivers, rise to the challenge is inspiring. It pushes me to dig deeper, because I know I haven’t been at my best