Lions have an ideal safety net to help during Jameson Williams' suspension

Entering the season, the Detroit Lions acknowledged they needed help at wide receiver when they signed a pair of veterans (Tim Patrick, Allen Robinson) to their practice squad.

Thus far Patrick has stepped into a prominent role, while Robinson hasn't seen the field much-though that could change in the latter case now. Dan Campbell has praised the contributions of the duo, and Jared Goff has taken notice as well.

This week, Goff explained why Robinson and Patrick have been game-changers for the Lions.

"It's been really cool to see two veteran guys that have had pretty good success in this league and have had their own successful careers up to this point come in here, drop their ego and say 'I'm going to be a part of this team.' Both of them have done such a great job and I think Allen (Robinson) in particular, not getting the reps that Tim (Patrick) has and still every day in practice showing up and doing his thing. Today was no different. It was great."

Adding this duo before the regular season was a masterstroke from general manager Brad Holmes. While injury hasn't hit the Detroit wide receiver group yet, it is always a lurking possibility. The situation with Jameson Williams has provided a situation for that depth to show itself.

Tim Patrick offers the perfect safety net for suspended Jameson Williams

This week, the Lions were forced to endure another suspension from Williams, who has had a checkered start to his career. Last season, Williams was absent for four games thanks to a gambling suspension. Now, he will be missing for two games after a suspension for performance-enhancing substance usage.

In years past, the Lions have not had the kind of depth to withstand such a situation. With Robinson and Patrick, they do. No matter what is happening with Williams at any given time, the Lions will know that they can depend on Patrick stepping up and perhaps Robinson as well.

Williams is the more explosive player, but Patrick offers solid production and a steady hand. As he has gotten comfortable in the offense, he has become a bigger contributor (seven receptions for 145 yards over the last three games).

While folks will worry about Williams being absent for Detroit's next two games, especially Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers, Patrick is more than capable of delivering a big game himself.

Williams is still learning his way in the league as a young, maturing player. Fortunately for the Lions, they now have a veteran in Patrick who can shoulder the load.