As expected the Bengals deactivated injured starting safety George Iloka and third-year man Shawn Williams figured to make his first NFL start in his place during Sunday’s game against the Chiefs at Paul Brown Stadium.
But Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis pulled a surprise when he lined up nickel cornerback Leon Hall at safety on the first snap. Hall, a nine-year veteran with 102 starts at corner, has played safety in nickel packages so he's no neophtye to the position.
Lewis also opted to sit defensive tackle Brandon Thompson in favor of Pat Sims even though Thompson contributed some strong plays in last week’s win in Baltimore.