It's been 1,082 days since Tim Patrick scored a touchdown.
On Thursday, the Lions receiver not only broke that drought, he also scored twice.
Both touchdowns were scored in the second half of the Lions' 34-31 win on “Thursday Night Football” against the Packers, another highlight-reel moment for the Lions, who were already feeling good. The case became instant. They have made the playoffs and are the favorites to play in the Super Bowl.
Patrick missed all of the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Broncos due to injury (ACL, Achilles tendon) and was signed to the Lions' practice squad this year.
The 31-year-old from San Diego, California, scored his first touchdown of the night with 5:02 left in the third quarter when quarterback Jared Goff found Patrick in front of the end zone.
The Lions signalman made sure to grab the football after a touchdown for a teammate who hadn't scored a touchdown since Dec. 19, 2021.
The second touchdown came with 8:39 left in the game and the Lions trailing 28-24.
Goff found Patrick in the back of the end zone or made a TD pass to give Detroit the lead.
Patrick jumped into the stands to celebrate his second touchdown of the game and was mobbed by fans.
Patrick had success in Denver, but injuries hampered his ability on the field.
His 2022 season ended before it started due to a knee injury sustained during training camp.
The following year, Patrick ruptured his Achilles tendon during camp and again missed the entire season.
Patrick, who enters Thursday's game against the Packers, has 21 catches for 306 yards in 11 games with the Lions this season.
He had a team-high six catches (including one on the final drive to set up Jake Bates' last-second field goal) for 43 yards and a team-high six catches in Thursday's win, leading the Lions' He contributed to advancing to the postseason.
