Falcons sign veteran outside linebacker to practice squad

The Atlanta Falcons have signed linebacker Khalid Kareem to their 16-man practice squad, according to team reporter Tori McElhaney. Kareem, 26, was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft out of Notre Dame.

During his first two seasons in Cincinnati, Kareem appeared in 23 games, recording 28 tackles (14 solo), one sack, one forced fumble and four QB hits. In 2021, Kareem earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 86.3 with a run defense grade of 91.0.

After a one-year stint with the Colts in 2022, Kareem signed with the Chicago Bears in 2023. His playing time has dwindled over the last two seasons, but he’s still a nice depth addition for Atlanta.

Kareem fills the 16th and final spot on the Falcons practice squad, but the team only has 52 players on the roster following the Taylor Heinicke trade . Check out the team’s updated 16-man practice squad below:

1. OL Elijah Wilkinson
2. LB Monty Rice
3. WR Chris Blair
4. WR Jesse Matthews
5. WR Dylan Drummond
6. RB Carlos Washington Jr.
7. OL Andrew Stueber
8. OL Julién Davenport
9. TE John FitzPatrick
10. CB Natrone Brooks
11. CB Kevin King
12. DB Dane Cruikshank
13. DL Demone Harris
14. DL Zion Logue
15. DL LaCale London
16. LB Khalid Kareem

Atlanta officially announced the Heinicke trade on Thursday afternoon, sending the veteran QB to the Chargers in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick that can turn into a sixth-rounder based on playing time. Check out the team’s updated 53-man roster as Atlanta prepares for a Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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