Depth players aiding Lions' playoff push

With an 11-1 record heading into the final stretch of the regular season, the Detroit Lions are battling for the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, and several veterans called up from their practice squad are stepping up to help secure a strong finish.

One of the key additions is Tim Patrick, a veteran wide receiver added to the practice squad after his release by the Denver Broncos. Patrick, who missed the past two seasons due to injury, has quickly emerged as the Lions' No. 3 receiver with 21 catches for 306 yards. 

After the departure of Josh Reynolds in free agency, the Lions were looking for a reliable target to complement their receiving corps. Patrick, with his strong feel for space and timing, has filled that role well.

Quarterback Jared Goff praised Patrick’s contributions in his recent news conference.

"He's as important as anybody," Goff said. "He's been great for that receiver room, great for me — constantly communicating, doing a lot of the dirty work that some guys might not do. It's nice to have a guy like that, a reliable target, (who) does everything right."

In addition to Patrick’s impact on the offense, Al-Quadin Muhammad, a veteran pass-rusher called up from the practice squad, is a key rotational piece for the defense since Aidan Hutchinson’s injury in October. Meanwhile, practice-squad linebackers David Long and Ezekiel Turner are now in the mix to start, with Malcolm Rodriguez, Derrick Barnes, and Alex Anzalone all on injured reserve.

The Lions’ most recent addition to the practice squad is Jamal Adams, a three-time Pro Bowler. Adams adds depth to an already strong safety unit which has been bolstered by Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. With backup safety Ifeatu Melifonwu sidelined all season, Adams provides critical insurance for a team aiming for a Super Bowl run.

As Goff emphasized, the Lions truly lean on everyone.

"It’s not just the 53 guys, but those on the practice squad who help us out throughout the week," Goff said. "And then their number gets called, often, and we do rely on them."

With the Lions rolling, these veterans aim to be part of a deep postseason run.