The Detroit Lions signed their second big-bodied receiver this week, adding Allen Robinson from the practice squad on Thursday. Earlier in the week, Tim Patrick was promoted as well.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson had emphasized the need for more size on the outside during training camp, but the team failed to find the right fit.
The Lions turned to their scouting department, which identified Patrick (6-foot-4) and Robinson (6-2) as viable options. Both receivers joined the practice squad before Week 1, with Patrick debuting in Week 2 and Robinson following in Week 3.
Patrick has recorded three receptions for 20 yards, the only production outside of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams this season. Robinson played one snap in his Lions debut last week in Arizona.
A Detroit native, Robinson played high school football at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, became an All-American at Penn State, and was drafted in the second round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014. Last season, he had 34 catches for 280 yards with Pittsburgh.