Atlanta Bolsters Practice Squad with Offensive Lineman, Hosts Defensive End
The Atlanta Falcons signed offensive lineman Josh Thompson to their practice squad, leaving one spot open. Thompson, an undrafted free agent from LSU, previously spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs. The team also hosted defensive end Khalid Kareem for a visit, a player who appeared in four games for Atlanta last season.
Thompson, who measured with an 80-inch wingspan at LSU's Pro Day, provides Atlanta with a developmental guard option. His college career included a transfer from Northwestern, and his athletic testing numbers suggest raw tools that offensive line coaches may refine. The Falcons now have 16 players on their practice squad, with one vacancy remaining.
Kareem's visit marks the second known interaction between the parties this year. The defensive end's NFL journey has included stops with four teams since 2020, and his four-game stint with Atlanta last season gives him familiarity with the team's defensive scheme. The Falcons recently added defensive tackle Gervon Dexter to their front.
These roster moves could provide the Falcons with necessary depth insurance as the regular season approaches. Practice squad players may be elevated on game days, meaning Thompson could see action if injuries occur along the offensive line. Kareem's potential return might offer experienced rotation help for a defensive front seeking consistency. For fans, such transactions signal the team's ongoing effort to address weaknesses, though their ultimate impact will depend on player development and health throughout the season.