The Detroit Lions are making strategic moves ahead of their Week 3 clash against the Arizona Cardinals, signaling a tactical shift that could reshape their offense. On Saturday, the team announced the elevation of veteran wide receivers Tim Patrick and Allen Robinson from the practice squad to the active roster. This move comes with considerable expectations, especially given the formidable size and experience these players bring to the game.
Tim Patrick earned his elevation for the second consecutive week. Last week, he played 39% of the offensive snaps and managed to catch two of his three targets for 12 yards. While these numbers might seem modest, 'Patrick’s presence at WR-X allowed the Lions to deploy Amon-Ra St. Brown in a more natural role and he went off with 11 receptions for 119 receiving yards,' according to Erik Schlitt of Pride of Detroit. Lions coach Dan Campbell was optimistic about Patrick’s contribution: 'We expect to use him more this week. He’s had a good week at practice. I like him, I really do. He fits us just the way he is,' Campbell said.
In contrast, Allen Robinson will be making his Lions debut this week. The 31-year-old Detroit native took a longer route to this opportunity, having been added to the practice squad shortly after roster cutdowns. 'He might have been under the radar for a while, but Robinson is ready to make an impact,' wrote Jeff Risdon for USA Today. Campbell has been keeping a close eye on Robinson, stating that he is 'up to speed with the Lions playbook enough to contribute.' Notably, Robinson is also an excellent blocking receiver, adding another dimension to his utility on the field.
Physically, Patrick and Robinson stand out. Tim Patrick is 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, while Allen Robinson is listed at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds. 'They immediately become the two largest receivers on the Detroit offense,' noted Risdon. Their size and physicality could give the Lions an advantage in various game situations, especially in red-zone scenarios and blocking assignments.
Their promotion also has an impact on other receivers. Tom Kennedy, active for the first two games of the season, will not be active this week. This move further emphasizes the Lions' shift towards a more physically imposing receiving corps.
While Robinson’s debut and Patrick’s second chance at elevation bring excitement, it's clear that both will revert to the practice squad following the game, pending any further roster adjustments. 'With Patrick now using two of his three available elevations for the season, Campbell acknowledged that they will eventually need to add him to the active roster,' stated Schlitt. This scenario adds another layer of intrigue as the season progresses.
In summary, the Lions' decision to elevate both Tim Patrick and Allen Robinson reflects a calculated move to bolster their offensive arsenal. With their combination of size, skill, and experience, these veteran wideouts are poised to make an impactful contribution in what promises to be a crucial game against the Cardinals.
What other sites are saying about this topic
Detroit Lions elevate wide receivers Tim Patrick, Allen Robinson from practice squad from Detroit Free Press
Lions elevate 2 veteran WRs for Week 3 against Cardinals from Erik Schlitt, Pride Of Detroit
Lions elevate two WRs from the practice squad for Week 3 from Jeff Risdon, USA Today
Lions elevate two veteran receivers from practice squad for Week 3 vs. Cardinals from The Detroit News