The Los Angeles Rams have officially signed running back Buddy Howell and cornerback Donte Deayon to the active roster while running back Jake Funk and tight end Johnny Mundt were placed on injured reserve.
Head coach Sean McVay revealed that both players will be sidelined for the rest of the 2021 NFL season. Mundt suffered a torn ACL while Funk tore his hamstring during the 38-11 victory over the New York Giants in Week 6.
Funk managed to secure the No. 3 spot on the depth chart behind running backs Darrell Henderson and Sony Michel during the preseason. However, they will now rely on Howell to provide some depth in the backfield and on special teams.
The former undrafted free agent out of FAU spent the last three seasons with the Houston Texans before signing with the Rams practice squad prior to the start of the 2021 campaign. Howell has played 33 special teams snaps after being promoted to the active roster in Weeks 3 and 4.
Deayon emerged as one of the more pleasant surprises in Week 6 after getting the call to provide some depth in the secondary with the recent injury to cornerback Darious Williams. Although safety Terrell Burgess started the game, it was the former that had the biggest impact with four tackles on 66 defensive snaps.
Deayon is another undrafted free agent that spent his first three seasons with the New York Giants before signing with the Rams in 2018. He stepped up big time for the Rams during their dominant win and he is set to take on an integral role in the coming weeks.
L.A. is in the midst of a favorable stretch with their next two opponents combining for just one win on the season heading into Week 7. This will be an ideal time for players like Deayon and Powell to continue finding their footing.
