Checking in on former Chiefs safety Ron Parker ahead of Friday night

The Kansas City Chiefs take on the Atlanta Falcons in their second preseason game of the season on Friday night at 6 p.m. Arrowhead Time, meaning we’ll have an opportunity to check in on an old friend—safety Ron Parker.

The Chiefs cut Parker this offseason after five seasons with the club, a move that saved the team nearly $5 million in cap (but one it may be second-guessing now). Parker caught on with the Falcons in June and he now wears No. 48.

Let’s welcome in The Falcoholic’s editor in chief, Dave Choate, to provide us with the latest on Parker leading into Friday night’s game:

It must be Ron Parker hour at Arrowhead Pride! I’m happy to share what little insight I have into the former Chief, who would have been a Falcon back in 2015 if it wasn’t for you meddling kids.

Early on, the fit is uncertain, but it’s mostly because we haven’t seen a lot of Parker just yet. He’s the logical choice to back up Keanu Neal at strong safety, with Damontae Kazee locked in as the backup free safety and potentially a part-time nickel cornerback, and it’s a role I have no doubt Parker can play.

He’s just been sort of quiet thus far, including some mediocre preseason action in the first game against the Jets.

I very much doubt Parker gets the axe when roster cuts come around—I know how talented he is—but with Kazee on the rise, I’m really not certain how much playing time he’s going to get unless someone is injured. That may limit him to special teams and 10 or so snaps initially, which is a pretty big drop from what he’s used to.

Friday night, I’d expect to see him replace Keanu Neal after a couple of series early on, which means the Chiefs faithful should be able to warmly welcome him back.

Hopefully, they’ll also get to see him make some nice plays against that first team offense.