What to know about new Saints RB Jake Funk

The New Orleans Saints recently signed running back Jake Funk to the practice squad. Here's what you need to know.

Funk was a seven-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2021 NFL Draft and hasn't seen much NFL action so far in his brief career.

He came out of Maryland, where he rushed for 516 yards and recorded four touchdowns in his senior year. As with most rookie running backs, Funk mainly took special teams reps in 2021; a hamstring injury saw him miss roughly half of the season and dropped him further down the depth chart.

NOLA Saints boost running back depth with Jake Funk signing

Funk featured in just five games in his a little over one year stint on the Rams, and Los Angeles released him on Tuesday.

Funk joins Jordan Howard as the two newly signed running backs on the practice squad.

The Saints lost both Latavius Murray and Tony Jones within the last two weeks, so it makes sense that NOLA is looking for extra running back depth. Still, given Funk's lack of starting experience, the Saints may choose to entertain a more high-profile trade for an elite running back to share RB2 duties with Mark Ingram.

In the event Alvin Kamara has to miss time (and Kamara has been dealing with quite a few injuries), New Orleans will probably pursue a more established back whether in free agency or by trade.

For now, Funk and Howard will focus on developing their skills on the Saints' practice squad in 2022.