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Coach Ansley Notes: Kalen King Has Potential to Compete for Outside Position if He Maintains Current Form

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Green Bay, WI – May 16, 2025

Green Bay Packers’ passing game coordinator, Derrick Ansley, has shared positive remarks about young cornerback Kalen King, stating that he has the potential to compete for an outside cornerback position in the starting lineup if he continues to maintain his current form, according to ESPN sources.

Kalen King, selected by the Packers in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, has shown significant effort in proving his worth. After initially being cut from the active roster, King was retained on the practice squad and later signed a futures contract in January 2025. During recent training sessions, he has made a strong impression on the coaching staff. “I don’t want to speak too soon—knock on wood—but if Kalen keeps up this form, he absolutely has the ability to compete for an outside spot,” Ansley shared in a recent interview.

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King, a former standout at Penn State with 82 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 21 pass breakups in 2022, is steadily regaining his confidence after a challenging 2023 season. His speed and quick reflexes are seen as well-suited for the outside position, where he could face off against top opposing wide receivers.

Currently, the Packers’ outside cornerback spots are highly competitive, with names like Jaire Alexander, Nate Hobbs, and Carrington Valentine in the mix. However, if Alexander were to depart due to salary cap concerns—as rumored recently—or if King outperforms Valentine in upcoming training sessions, he could secure a starting role. Additionally, reserve cornerbacks like Kamal Hadden and Isaiah Dunn are also competitors King will need to surpass to solidify his spot.

Packers fans are hopeful that Kalen King will continue to progress and become a key part of the team’s defense. With preseason games and OTAs approaching, King will have the opportunity to prove he deserves the confidence placed in him by Coach Ansley and the staff.

Steelers Head Team Physician Confirms Bad News on Serious Injury to CB Jalen Ramsey
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ win over the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin came at a heavy cost, as star cornerback Jalen Ramsey is now expected to miss multiple weeks with a hamstring injury. According to Steelers insider Gerry Dulac, Ramsey attempted to return during the Week 4 matchup but was unable to push through the setback. The injury adds to Pittsburgh’s growing list of health concerns, with wide receiver Calvin Austin III also sidelined by a shoulder issue. According to the Steelers’ Head Team Physician: “Jalen has suffered a significant hamstring injury that will require several weeks of recovery. At this stage, we’re focused on making sure he heals properly and minimizing the risk of a longer-term setback.” Ramsey’s situation is particularly frustrating given how it unfolded. Earlier in the contest, he recovered a fumble and ran it back for a touchdown – a play that was ultimately called back. In a moment of irony, he celebrated with a fake “hamstring injury” dance, only to actually re-injure his hamstring later in the game. The timing of the setback may prove somewhat fortunate, as the Steelers head into their Week 5 bye. Ramsey is expected to miss several games, but the extra rest could soften the impact and give him a better chance to recover without missing even more time. The 2025 season has already been riddled with injuries for Pittsburgh, and losing Ramsey for an extended stretch will put added pressure on the rest of the secondary. Still, the Steelers hope to weather the storm and return healthier after the bye, with a critical stretch of divisional matchups looming.