When the Rams announced that they traded for Sony Michel, fans immediately wondered what the addition might mean for Jake Funk and Xavier Jones. They each seemed likely to carve out a role behind Darrell Henderson Jr., but with Michel stepping in, their opportunities will be limited.
That doesn’t mean they’ll be left off the 53-man roster, however.
Les Snead told reporters on Wednesday that the team still has a plan for Jones and Funk after evaluating both players in camp and the preseason. They’ve seemingly done enough to stick on the regular-season roster, with their roles varying based on multiple factors.
“I think we’ve definitely seen enough to go, ‘OK, in this take with Jake and Xavier that this is how they can contribute. Let’s call it on Sunday night for the Rams. And this is how they might be able to contribute four or five weeks later,’” Snead said. “So, we’ve definitely identified that. And again, now it comes in phases and stages. This may be a Sunday night against the Bears role. This might be more of a future role. And then all of a sudden, some unforeseen adversity occurs, or attrition and the role just changed and it’s a more important role.”
As good as Funk and Jones have looked in practice and the preseason, the Rams clearly felt the need to add some depth and talent. It’s no coincidence that the addition of Michel came right after Raymond Calais fractured his foot, which left Los Angeles with only three capable backs.
It’s hard to imagine Jones or Funk playing a big role on offense immediately with Henderson and Michel healthy, but in the event that there’s an injury ahead of them, they appear more than capable of stepping up. This move for Michel was more about depth than it was a lack of confidence in Jones and Funk.
