Funk’s fumble tarnishes bright LA Rams first half performance

The LA Rams need to get some dependable offense on the ground, and for the first time in the preseason, the Rams appeared to be getting some hard rushing from second-year running back Jake Funk. In fact, Funk rushed seven times for a modestly impressive 23 yards, averaging 3.3 yards per run.

It was not much, but it was a step in the right direction. Well, until it wasn’t that is.

Funk may be able to make a great case for the RB3 role if he can play a great game. Behind Rams running back Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson Jr., the Rams depth chart feels wide open. Despite the team’s interest in rookie running back Kyren Williams to show up big this season, Williams’s offseason injury and inability to show up for the Rams in any preseason games has left the third running back role wide open for the Rams so far.

Jake Funk has not played much of a role in the Rams’ offense so far. More of a utility player, the team has tried to find him a home in both an offensive role and on special teams. If Funk is going to grab a larger role with the team, he will need to take a huge stride forward this season.

So far, Funk has been handling almost all of the team’s running, which does not bode well for backup runner Trey Ragas, who was a long shot to make the Rams roster. But Funk’s fumble was a huge mistake as the LA Rams were driving for a touchdown. Those are the type of mental mistakes that are frustrating to the Rams coaching staff and could pose problems for Funk as the team is making roster decisions this week.

With the LA Rams rushing attack in such a quandary, will the Rams seek outside help to reinforce their running game? That remains to be seen.

So far in the first half, Jake Funk has rushed eight times for 27 yards and 1 fumble. If the Rams believe that is as good as it gets, they may be signing another RB off waivers this week.