Green Bay Packers cornerback Kevin King is determined to suit up for the NFL regular season opener against the Chicago Bears on Thursday night in Chicago. King told reporters he will be active, barring any other setbacks:
Kevin King says he’s playing Thursday night against the Bears.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) September 1, 2019
The Packers selected King with the very first pick in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, hoping to reinvest in a depleted secondary that ranked 31st against the pass in 2016. However, the injury bug has plagued King throughout his young career.
King's rookie season was marred by a shoulder issue that would later require offseason surgery, and he missed most of the offseason workouts prior to the 2018 season. Though he was named as the starter for Week 1, King would suffer separate injuries to his groin and hamstring that would land him on Injured Reserve.
Article Continues BelowThe third-year man from the University of Washington continues to struggle with his hamstring, missing a number of practices and all four of Green Bay's preseason games. Still, he seems determined to battle through the issue and help the Packers get off on the right foot on Thursday night.
Green Bay has had more success against opposing attacks in recent years. Last season, the Packers ranked 12th against the pass, and they upgraded the safety position by prying Adrian Amos away from the Bears.
However, the Packers will certainly be hoping that the young and talented King can stay healthy and provide some added depth at corner alongside Jaire Alexander, who was one of the best rookie corners in football last season.