The Arizona Cardinals have elevated cornerback Kalen King from their practice squad before their Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The team announced the move on Saturday as it prepared for the matchup.
King’s promotion provides additional depth after Garrett Williams was ruled out of the season opener while recovering from an Achilles tear sustained in December. The Cardinals are set to have five available cornerbacks: Will Johnson, Max Melton, Denzel Burke, Kei'Trel Clark and King.
King worked primarily at slot corner during the offseason and also played that position in the preseason. While Williams was unavailable, King served as the second-team slot corner behind Sean Murphy-Bunting, who was released when Arizona reduced its roster to 53 players.
King is expected to serve as the backup slot corner and contribute on special teams. Burke is projected to play in the slot, with Johnson and Melton lined up outside.
The Cardinals did not make any other practice-squad elevations. The report said that could indicate rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, who is questionable with an ankle injury, will be available to dress and play. Love’s status was not otherwise confirmed in the report.
