Watch: Lions WR Tim Patrick's impressive 42-yard catch sets up TD

This offseason, the Denver Broncos released seventh-year wide receiver Tim Patrick. The Detroit Lions are probably glad they did.

On a 3rd-and-5 at Detroit's 35-yard line on Sunday, Lions quarterback Jared Goff chucked a deep pass to Patrick, who shrugged off Dallas Cowboys cornerback Amani Oruwariye before hauling in a 42-yard catch.

Two plays later, Lions running back David Montgomery barreled through the Cowboys defense for a 16-yard touchdown, giving Detroit a 7-3 lead early in the first quarter.

Through his first three games, Patrick had five receptions for 72 yards. He's third on the team in yards per reception (14.4) behind running back Sione Vaki and wideout Jameson Williams.

While Patrick isn't a star, he's a solid contributor the Lions can turn to when star WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and Williams are covered, making their potent passing attack even harder to stop. Through the season's first five weeks, Detroit (3-1) ranks seventh in the league in passing yards (245.8).