Tim Patrick's return to action after missing two consecutive campaigns received another boost Sunday, as the big-bodied wideout caught four passes for 30 yards and a touchdown in the 27-2 preseason win over the Green Bay Packers.
The 30-year-old, however, strives for more than preseason flowers.
"Obviously, I'm happy," Patrick said, via the team's official website. "I have a higher standard for myself. I'm not just trying to be a feel-good story. It's a step in the right direction, but you guys haven't seen anything yet. Once I get these camp legs to go away, I'll be way better."
After back-to-back 700-plus yard seasons, Patrick appeared on the precipice of a big-time breakout campaign in 2022. However, on Aug. 2, an ACL tear wiped out the opportunity. Last year, amid his comeback, the wideout popped an Achilles on July 31. He was placed on IR on Aug. 2.
Now that he's made it past Aug. 2 without another bugaboo injury, Patrick looks back on track.
"Players were excited in there for him," head coach Sean Payton said. "He had a big smile on his face. … When you have an injury for a year … it's quiet, it's lonely, everything goes on, it's difficult. When you have it for two [it's more difficult]. … You can really go back historically and then try to find players that have been out for two years, and it's tough. It's a long time in this sport. So when he has a moment like that or when he has a practice where you see him getting back to form, it's encouraging."
At 6-foot-4, Patrick brings size to the Broncos receiver group. Before the injuries, he proved a heady boundary receiver who could win down the sideline, was a big target in the red zone and could run after the catch.
Sunday's touchdown showed what type of weapon he can be in Payton's offense. After the snap at the 2-yard-line, Patrick came across the formation behind the line of scrimmage, found the gap, snagged the pigskin and darted to pay dirt. He gave the Denver faithful a Mile High salute to honor the long-awaited moment.
"It was for the fans," Patrick said of his touchdown celebration. "Obviously, I've been gone for a little minute, and it was just more of appreciation [and] letting them know that I'm back."
If Patrick can stay back, it makes the Broncos offense much more formidable.
"I'm just so excited for him," Courtland Sutton said. "He's done a lot, and he's been through a lot. For him to be able to see this early success and to see him being able to go out there and play at a level he knows he can play at, it's exciting man. I was just so happy for him to be able to see … the excitement of all of this hard work. All his hard work is paying off, and it's only the beginning. He's going to have a great season this year."
With 6-foot-4 Patrick, 6-foot-4 Sutton and 6-foot-3 Josh Reynolds, the top of Denver's WR chart entering the season has the size to bully opposing corners. Add in speed from Marvin Mims Jr., rookie Troy Franklin, more size from Lil'Jordan Humphrey, David Sills and Brandon Johnson, and the Broncos boast a formidable wideout corps for Bo Nix -- presuming he's the starter -- to get his career started.