It's only the Hall of Fame Game but one Lions veteran looks expendable

While it's too soon to tell, it sure does feel like Isaac TeSlaa isn't just going to be a high risk, no reward draft pick for the Detroit Lions this season.

And, that success might be coming at the expense of one Lions veteran who has been struggling in training camp this year: veteran wide receiver Tim Patrick.

Patrick could be a part of a package for the Lions if they want to attach him and picks for an additional pass rusher or even another playmaker alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. While Detroit hasn't been involved in, well, any serious talks to acquire big name talent this offseason, his availability in a deal could change that.

Patrick suddenly looks expendable after TeSlaa's performance

Patrick, who is entering his eighth season in the NFL and second with the Lions, had a nice year as someone lower on the depth chart back in 2024: 33 receptions with 394 yards and three touchdowns. However, he's admitted that his training camp hasn't gone as he'd hoped it would, and that's coming at a time where the veteran could very well be replaced by TeSlaa on the depth chart.

Patrick, who only missed one game in 2024 during the regular season for the Lions, told reporters, “I feel great. That’s why I’m just frustrated that it’s not showing right now, because in OTAs it did. Training camp is a little different, I just gotta pick this [expletive] up.”

TeSlaa, on the other hand, has been solid in training camp thus far. The rookie has been showing off his hands and his size in tight coverage situations, and in the Lions' first preseason game of the year, he looked like Detroit's best active receiver. The second best, ironically, appeared to be fellow rookie Dominic Lovett.

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TeSlaa went for 46 yards on just two receptions in the first half, which was a near miracle considering how badly Kyle Allen was playing during that half. He ran crispy routes and seemed like he had most of his matchups beat with his speed alone. His hands also looked as good as advertised. Overall, he just did what he had to do to look playable.

That's a concern if you're Patrick. The veteran receiver is about to be 31 in November, and if he doesn't improve in training camp, then he may see his role dwindle to the benefit of TeSlaa in short order. TeSlaa and Lovett managed to put the Lions' depth at wide receiver on notice with very solid debuts despite some abysmal quarterback play.

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