The Oakland Raiders announced that they have claimed cornerback Hamp Cheevers off waivers from the Atlanta Falcons and placed cornerback D.J. Killings on the Reserve/Injured List.
Cheevers originally went undrafted this year out of Boston College before signing with the Tennessee Titans. He then began training camp with the Falcons and played in their first preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.
In 30 career games across three seasons at Boston College, Cheevers had 56 total tackles (36 solo), including 2.5 for loss, nine interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 20 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He had a career season in 2018 en route to All-ACC First Team honors.
Killings was another guy that the Raiders signed this offseason, but unfortunately, he was injured during their first preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams. According to Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, he tore his pectoral muscle and will undergo surgery:
Raiders CB D.J. Killings tore a pectoral muscle in Saturday’s exhibition vs. Rams, source said. He’ll undergo surgery. Placed on IR today. Ex-Falcons CB Hamp Cheevers claimed in corresponding move. A fellow Boston College product for GM Mike Mayock.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 11, 2019
The Raiders secondary actually has some solid depth, but with Nevin Lawson being out for the first four games of the 2019 season due to a suspension, there may be a roster spot up for grabs during training camp that Killings was competing for, and now Cheevers will get an opportunity.
