The Detroit Lions are adding a little Super Bowl experience ahead of their NFC Championship showdown against the San Francisco 49ers.
On X/Twitter, the Lions announced that they have signed running back Jake Funk to their practice squad. Funk was a member of the 2021 Los Angeles Rams’ team that won Super Bowl 58 in their home venue of SoFi Stadium.
As well, former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Matt Farniok was added to the practice squad. Linebacker Raymond Johnson was released, while running back Jermar Jefferson was put on the practice squad/injured list.
The 26-year-old Funk was drafted in the seventh round (233rd overall) by the Rams in 2021. He only saw two carries for five yards in the postseason, but Funk was awarded a ring as a member of their final roster.
The Lions defeated Funk’s old team, the Rams, on Super Wild Card Weekend for their first playoff victory in 32 years. Detroit continued the magical run by defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional Round, also clinching their first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1991.
It’s obviously highly unlikely that Funk will get any playing time against the 49ers, but it doesn’t hurt for Dan Campbell and company to add a little insurance and championship experience anyway. Of course, he’ll surely lean on the dynamic duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery to carry the ground game.
