Falcons waive Southward, sign King to 53-man roster

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) The Atlanta Falcons have waived Dezmen Southward, a third-round draft pick last year, to make room for cornerback Akeem King on the 53-man roster.

Southward struggled after moving from safety to cornerback and was active in only three games. King, a seventh-round pick this year, has been on the practice squad.

The Falcons (6-2) will be without nickel cornerback Robert Alford for Sunday's game at San Francisco (2-6) with a groin injury. Starting left cornerback Desmond Trufant is listed as probable with a back injury.

Strong safety William Moore (groin), outside linebacker Justin Durant (calf) and receiver Leonard Hankerson (hamstring) have been ruled out this week.

Rookie defensive end Vic Beasley missed practice Friday with a strained foot and is listed as questionable.

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