Funchess is competing for a back-end roster spot, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
Head coach Dan Campbell reportedly said that he's looking to carry three tight ends on the gameday roster, specifically a blocker to complement T.J. Hockenson plus an all-purpose option behind those two. With Brock Wright and Garrett Griffin the clear options competing for the blocking role, Funchess is seemingly left to compete with fifth-round rookie James Mitchell and Shane Zylstra for the other opening. While Mitchell is probably the favorite given the investment Detroit made in him, Funchess -- a wide receiver making the transition to tight end, who hasn't appeared in an NFL game since 2019 -- could secure the spot with a strong preseason.