Tim Patrick returned from a hand injury against the Vikings last week and made an immediate impact in the Broncos’ offense, catching four passes for 77 yards. Patrick (6-4, 212 pounds) is a big receiver who helps draw attention away from Courtland Sutton, who has emerged as Denver’s No. 1 target.

“Obviously, he can go and make plays and do a lot of stuff for us,” quarterback Brandon Allen said of Patrick on Wednesday. “I think he’ll continue to get better and hopefully draw some attention away from Courtland. Like I said, keep guys in defenses honest. He’ll continue to get better and keep making plays for us like he did last week.”

Denver running back Phillip Lindsay called Patrick a “dog,” in a good way.

“Tim Patrick is a dog,” Lindsay said Wednesday. “We all understand that. He brings a lot of great energy to our team and something that we needed. He brings another element to help Courtland out. Having him back, it’s either you’re going to have to double Courtland and leave Tim here. Tim is going to continue to get better as he gets back into the groove of everything.

“One thing about Tim is he doesn’t back down to anything. There are a lot of people that play football, but Tim plays it passionate. A lot of people aren’t cut from how Tim is, the same cloth he’s cut from. A lot of people aren’t like that. It’s one thing I’m excited for is for Tim to continue to emerge as a receiver and be a top one too.”

Patrick, 25, caught 23 passes for 315 yard and one touchdown in limited action last year. If he continues playing like he did on Sunday, Patrick could emerge as the team’s clear No. 2 wide receiver going into 2020.