Sam LaPorta’s absence on Thursday due to an injury creates a short-term shift in Detroit’s passing game, but the injury isn’t expected to be serious. After a standout rookie season, LaPorta’s 2024 dip has been attributed in part to Jameson Williams’ breakout and Amon-Ra St. Brown’s continued dominance as Jared Goff’s top target. In the meantime, Williams, St. Brown, and the veteran receivers will shoulder a larger share of targets as the Lions navigate the joint practice with the Dolphins. Lions coaches also welcomed back Terrion Arnold, Pat O’Connor, Tom Kennedy, and Dominic Lovett, signaling a more complete roster return, while Kerby Joseph remains out with an undisclosed issue and Giovanni Manu, Tim Patrick, and Malik Taylor missed practice. The chatter around Za’Darius Smith adds a wrinkle to divisional talks, but Detroit appears focused on internal depth and continuity while the practice scene with Miami unfolds. The short-term implication for fantasy is clear: if LaPorta’s absence lingers, Williams and St. Brown could see even more volume, and Lovett or Lovett-adjacent depth could offer a late-season upside consideration for managers looking to exploit depth at wide receiver behind the Lions’ top targets.

Tim Patrick signed a one-year deal with Detroit but faces a real roster squeeze as Isaac TeSlaa pushes for WR3 duties. Detroit traded up for TeSlaa, signaling a long-term plan at receiver even as Patrick’s departure looms if a trade partner emerges. Dead-money math looms: cutting Patrick would cost $2.5 million in dead cap; a trade would trim that to $1.245 million, keeping the door open for a deal without crippling cap impact.

TeSlaa’s camp buzz intensified after a strong Hall of Fame game showing, where he led with 46 receiving yards on two catches in a rough offensive day for the Lions. If that momentum continues, TeSlaa could overtake Patrick for WR3 quickly, reshaping the Lions’ WR pecking order behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kalif Raymond. Patrick’s prior line (33 catches, 394 yards, 3 TDs) plus 20 first-down conversions on 33 catches indicates he isn’t irrelevant, but the preseason suggests a change in Lions’ receiver calculus could be coming fast.

The Detroit Lions have made a significant move by re-signing veteran wide receiver Tim Patrick. Last season, Patrick made a notable impact in the Lions' offensive scheme, contributing 33 receptions for 394 yards and three touchdowns. After recovering from injuries that sidelined him for two consecutive seasons, his performance came as a pleasant surprise for the Lions, who achieved a franchise record of 15 wins in 2024.

Patrick's return to form was highlighted by his first touchdown catches since 2021, showcasing his reliability alongside quarterback Jared Goff. Given the Lions' high-powered offense, Patrick's re-signing adds depth and experience to an already potent receiving corps, making him a valuable asset in fantasy football leagues as a potential sleeper pick.

The Miami Dolphins are set to explore their options for a third wide receiver to complement Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle after the unsuccessful Odell Beckham Jr. signing. With numerous high-profile receivers expected to be available, including Davante Adams and Stefon Diggs, the team faces a dilemma due to salary cap constraints.

While big-name additions may be out of reach, lower-tier options like Mack Hollins and Trent Sherfield are on the radar. The Dolphins may also consider re-signing one of their own free agents, like River Cracraft or Braxton Berrios, as they aim for more production from their receiving corps in the upcoming season.