5 Detroit Lions players you may have forgotten about from the Matt Patricia era

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 26: Head coach Matt Patricia of the Detroit Lions gives a thumbs up before the game against the Houston Texans at Ford Field on November 26, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. Matt Patricia was fired from his role as Detroit Lions head coach on Saturday, November 28, 2020. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

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3. RB J.D. McKissic (2019)

McKissic has become one of the more productive pass-catching running backs in the NFL, with 80 and 43 receptions for Washington in the last two seasons respectively.

McKissic took some time to find his way in the league, starting with three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks after spending most of 2016 on the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad.

In what amounted to a gap year, McKissic spent 2019 with the Lions. He suited up for all 16 games, with 38 carries but perhaps more notably in hindsight 34 receptions (fourth on the team) over 257 offensive snaps.

2. RB C.J. Anderson (2019)

Anderson is best-known for his run with the Denver Broncos, which included a 1,000-yard season in 2017. Secondarily, he was a late-season signing by the Los Angeles Rams in 2018 and had a 100-yard game in the Wild Card round as they began their run to the Super Bowl.

The Lions signed Anderson in 2019. He lasted just two games, totaling 16 carries for 43 yards before being cut.

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