The Detroit Lions have again elevated two wide receivers from the practice squad for this week's game. Tim Patrick is getting the nod for the second straight week, and Allen Robinson will join him as he's lined up to make his debut for the Lions.
Patrick played more than expected in his Lions debut last week (39 percent snap share), with two catches and nearly a third where he couldn't get his feet down along the sideline.
Head coach Dan Campbell talked about Patrick again during his Friday press conference.
"He's had a good week of practice, you know, I like him. I really do. He fits us, you know, just the way he is, the way he works, his attention to detail, and he brings a little something different to us. He's a big guy. He's, you know, he's a big target, he's physical, he's tough. So glad he's here."
As much as signing Patrick to the 53-man roster felt inevitable after Campbell's comments last Monday, the head coach also strongly hinted at a second practice squad elevation on Friday and that's what happened.
Lions elevate Tim Patrick and Allen Robinson from practice squad
After internal candidates to replace Josh Reynolds failed to step up once and for all during training camp and preseason games, the Lions were fortunate to be able to add Patrick and Robinson to their practice squad as possible options. Campbell said he has been "paying close attention" to Robinson's progress over the last couple weeks, and apparently he's up to speed enough to get a chance to play.
Patrick will have one more practice squad elevation left before the Lions have to sign him to their 53-man roster. If they want to burn those up completely, Campbell acknowledged that he could be poached off the practice squad by another team.
"You know, we only have three of those elevations per player. But we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. If somebody wants to poach, then we got a decision to make. But until then, you know, the plan would be to elevate and use him."
Robinson is well-removed from his best days. But the Lions clearly want to see what he can do, and it'll be interesting to see how much he plays on Sunday.
