Chiefs rumors: Defensive lineman Rickey Hatley signed to practice squad
By Matt Conner
Rickey Hatley, a defensive lineman from the University of Missouri, is reportedly the latest addition to the Chiefs practice squad.
The Kansas City Chiefs made a minor addition to the roster on Tuesday. Per Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star, the Chiefs have added defensive lineman Rickey Hatley to the team’s practice squad.
Chiefs signing former #Mizzou DL Rickey Hatley to the practice squad, per a source.
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) September 12, 2017
Hatley entered the NFL this offseason as a rookie free agent with the Houston Texans. A large defensive tackle weighing in at 320 lbs. and standing 6’4, he failed to stay on with the team and ended up cut loose before the season. Hatley’s addition gives the practice squad a defensive lineman for the first time, which will help especially in practice week to week.
Hatley played in all 12 games for Missouri last season and had 1 sack and 2 quarterback hurries for the Tigers. He had 3 career sacks and 1 forced fumble in his collegiate career as a rotational lineman in the SEC.
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What’s interesting is that Hatley’s pro potential is clearly higher than his college production. The Texans saw enough from him as a rotational body to bring him in, and Hatley had 2 sacks and a forced fumble in three preseason games for the Texans. The Chiefs now are clearly taking a chance on him as well, which gives a bit of hope that perhaps he wasn’t coached up enough at the previous level. Given enough time, maybe Hatley could find some footing as a real prospect.
For now, it should be seen as nothing else as the Chiefs needing a defensive lineman for the practice squad.