Johnson and Jefferson last appeared in an NFL regular season game during the 2021 season.
Lions Land Super Bowl Champion RB
|Despite the franchise never appearing in the Super Bowl, the Detroit Lions have some big-game experience because of the veterans on their roster.
The Lions now also have additional Super Bowl experience on their practice squad with running back Jake Funk.
The Lions announced on January 23 that they signed Funk, along with offensive lineman Matt Farniok, to their practice squad. In corresponding moves, the Lions released linebacker Raymond Johnson and placed running back Jermar Jefferson on practice squad/injured.
Funk has played in 20 games during his three-year NFL career. Ten of those contests came with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 when the team won the Super Bowl.
Funk didn’t appear in the Super Bowl, but he played on special teams in Los Angeles’ other three postseason contests during 2021-22.
The 26-year-old running back played four games for the Indianapolis Colts this past season.
Farniok didn’t appear in a game during 2023. But he dressed in 17 contests for the Dallas Cowboys during the 2021-22 seasons.
Funk and Farniok are replacing two practice squad players who didn’t play in a game during 2023.
Lions Sign Jake Funk, Matt Farniok to Practice Squad
As it turns out, tight end Zach Ertz won’t be the only addition to Detroit’s practice squad this week.
Funk will provide depth to Detroit’s backfield, which dealt with some injuries early in the season. However, neither David Montgomery nor Jahmyr Gibbs have missed a game since the end of October.
In four games with the Colts this season, Funk rushed for 10 yards on 2 carries. He also had 1 reception for 12 yards.
With the Rams in 2021, Funk also had 2 rushing attempts. He gained 5 yards.
Los Angeles mostly used Funk on special teams. He played 128 special teams snaps in 10 contests in 2021.