MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 24: Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions looks on prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions have added a former Dallas Cowboys draft-pick to their practice squad ahead of Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium.

On X/Twitter, the Lions announced that they have signed ex-Cowboys offensive lineman Matt Farniok as well as former Los Angeles Rams RB and Super Bowl champion Jake Funk to their practice squad.

 

Linebacker Raymond Johnson was released from the practice squad, and running back Jermar Jefferson was placed on the practice squad/injured list.

The moves come a day after Detroit made a notable splash by picking up former Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz as well. Like Funk, Ertz owns a Super Bowl championship ring, having won it all with the Philadelphia Eagles six years ago.

Farniok was drafted by the Cowboys in the seventh round (238th overall) back in 2021. The Nebraska product played 12 games at guard during his rookie year, and seven games in his sophomore campaign — making two starts that year.

 

The Chicago Bears signed Farniok to their practice squad earlier this season, but he was subsequently let go before ever playing a game for them. The Lions signed Farniok in December but released him earlier this month before deciding to bring him back.

Detroit is playing in its first NFC Championship Game since 1991, where they lost to Joe Gibbs’ dynastic Washington club. And now, the Lions are only 60 minutes away from reaching the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history.