The Atlanta Falcons are still working the margins of the roster, and they’ve added another young offensive lineman while taking a look at a familiar pass rusher.
Josh Thompson is headed to Atlanta’s practice squad after the Falcons signed the former Chiefs offensive lineman. The move leaves the team with one practice-squad spot still open after Josh Woods was moved up to the 53-man roster on Monday afternoon.
Thompson entered the league as an undrafted free agent after the 2026 NFL Draft and originally signed with Kansas City. Before reaching the NFL, he spent time at Northwestern and then finished his college career at LSU, giving him a path that included multiple programs before turning pro.
At 6-foot-5, Thompson brings size and a few traits that stand out even if he still needs refinement. He weighed 304 pounds at LSU Pro Day and posted a 32 3/4" arm, an 80" wingspan, an 8'8" broad jump, a 4.80 shuttle and a 7.96 3-cone. He did not run the 40.
For Atlanta, the addition is about more than just plugging a hole on the practice squad. It gives the Falcons another developmental offensive lineman to stash behind their current group, which matters in a league where injuries can reshape the depth chart in a hurry, especially up front.
The Falcons also spent Tuesday looking at help on defense, hosting defensive end Khalid Kareem for a visit.
Kareem is already a known commodity in Atlanta. He played in four games for the Falcons last season, so a return would bring back someone who has already spent time in the building and has experience in the system.
A fifth-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame, Kareem has bounced around the league with stops in Cincinnati from 2020-2021, Indianapolis in 2022, Chicago in 2023, New York and Atlanta.
That kind of experience could matter for a Falcons team still trying to reinforce its defensive front. Atlanta has already added Gervon Dexter, and Kareem would give the team another veteran body to compete for snaps and help absorb the blows if injuries hit.
With one practice-squad opening still available, the Falcons can add another player without having to clear room first. If Kareem’s visit turns into a signing, that final spot could disappear quickly.
Atlanta’s 53-man roster may be set for now, but the work clearly isn’t done. The Falcons are still scanning waivers, practice-squad options and veteran free agents as they keep shaping the roster ahead of the regular season.
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