The Detroit Lions have elevated veteran wide receivers Tim Patrick and Allen Robinson from the practice squad to the game-day roster for Sunday’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. This decision follows Patrick’s performance in his Lions debut last week, where he caught two passes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, Robinson, who signed with the team in late August, has yet to play in a game for Detroit.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell highlighted Patrick’s potential role in the team’s receiving rotation moving forward. He noted that Patrick, who has had a strong week of practice, is expected to see more playing time this Sunday. “I like him, I really do,” Campbell said, emphasizing Patrick’s physicality, toughness, and attention to detail. Standing out as a bigger receiver, Patrick adds a different dynamic to the Lions’ receiving corps.

NFL teams are permitted to elevate practice squad players up to three times before being required to sign them to the 53-man roster. Campbell acknowledged that the Lions might have to make a decision about signing Patrick if other teams attempt to claim him from their practice squad. However, for now, the team plans to keep elevating him and utilizing his skills in games.

The Lions’ offense has struggled through the first two weeks of the season, averaging only 18 points per game in regulation. Red-zone inefficiency has been a key issue, as the team scored just one touchdown in seven red-zone possessions during their last game. With both Patrick and Robinson being bigger receivers, their presence could provide the Lions with much-needed help near the goal line.

Dan Campbell’s confidence in Patrick’s ability to contribute to the team remains high, and the Lions will look to both receivers to help spark an offense that has yet to find its rhythm this season.

Whether Tim Patrick will remain active on the Detroit Lions’ game-day roster depends on several factors, including his performance, the team’s health, and roster decisions. Here are key considerations that could determine his future status:

1. **Performance in Games:** If Patrick continues to perform well, especially with the Lions needing help in the red zone, there’s a strong chance he could stay active. His size and physicality make him a valuable asset, particularly in goal-line situations, as noted by head coach Dan Campbell.

2. **Practice Squad Elevation Rules:** NFL teams can elevate a player from the practice squad to the active roster up to three times in a season. Patrick has already been elevated once, and if he continues to be a factor in the receiving rotation, the Lions could elevate him for two more games. After that, they would need to either sign him to the 53-man roster or risk losing him to another team.

3. **Injuries and Depth at Wide Receiver:** If other wide receivers on the Lions’ roster are dealing with injuries or underperforming, it could increase Patrick’s chances of staying active. His size and experience give him a unique role compared to smaller, quicker receivers.

4. **Interest from Other Teams:** If Patrick performs well and other teams express interest in signing him off the Lions’ practice squad, Detroit would need to decide whether to sign him to their active roster or risk losing him.

In summary, Patrick’s stay on the active roster will largely depend on his continued contributions and how the Lions manage their roster, particularly at wide receiver. If he remains productive, it’s possible he could be signed to the 53-man roster after using his practice squad elevations.