Chiefs rumors: Former Falcons DB Akeem King added to practice squad
By Matt Conner
The Kansas City Chiefs have added a defensive back to the practice squad with news that former Falcons DB Akeem King has signed.
The Kansas City Chiefs kept eight players of their own on the practice squad, leaving two positions open for other arrangements. One of those spaces has now been filled by former Atlanta Falcons defensive back Akeem King.
King is a big, physical player in the secondary as a 6’3, 210 lb. player with college experience at safety but pro experience as a cornerback. The Falcons selected King in the seventh round in the 2015 NFL Draft and attempted to make him switch positions in the defensive backfield, but the results never quite paid off as King was deemed expendable this offseason. He likely remains a work in progress considering he first went to college at San Jose State University as a wide receiver before being converted to defense.
King only earned regular season action for the Falcons during his rookie season in 2015, when he appeared in five games. He was on injured reserve all of last season due to a foot injury.
For the Chiefs, King and Leon McQuay will serve as secondary help on the practice squad during the week in practice as well as insurance in case of injury. Perhaps even one of the players will be called upon in the next few weeks as the Chiefs deal with an injury to cornerback Steven Nelson. Nelson was placed on a short term injured reserve, and he will be able to return after six weeks.
King had 71 tackles and 2 passes defended during his final season at SJSU.