Chamarri Conner is returning to practice for the Chiefs, while Andy Reid offered an encouraging update on rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane.
The Kansas City Chiefs could be getting some significant help in their secondary as they prepare for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.
Safety Chamarri Conner is set to return to practice Wednesday after missing the first two games of the season with a knee injury.
Head coach Andy Reid said the Chiefs will take a cautious approach with the veteran defensive back.
"As far as the guys that won't practice, Josh won't practice today," Reid said, according to A to Z Sports. "He is getting better, but he won't go today. Chamarri's gonna do some stuff. We're gonna ease him back into the mix."
Conner has been sidelined for nearly two months because of the knee issue and did not practice during the first two weeks of the regular season.
His return to practice is not the only encouraging development for Kansas City's secondary.
Reid also indicated rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane is moving closer to being fully available after a shoulder injury limited him to just three defensive snaps in the season opener against Denver.
Asked Wednesday whether Delane would be a full go this week, Reid said, "I think so," while adding that the Chiefs would continue to play it by ear.
Delane was active for Sunday's 33-30 overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts but did not play. Reid explained after the game that the Chiefs viewed Delane as an emergency option while allowing his shoulder more time to recover.
The No. 6 overall pick made an immediate impact before aggravating the injury in Week 1, intercepting Broncos quarterback Bo Nix on just his third NFL defensive snap.
Kansas City traded up to select Delane sixth overall with the expectation that he could immediately strengthen the secondary. The rookie was viewed as a potential immediate contributor because of his ability in man coverage.
Conner would provide another experienced option if and when he is cleared to return to game action. The fourth-year defensive back has been with Kansas City since the Chiefs selected him in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
There was less encouraging news Wednesday regarding left tackle Josh Simmons. Reid said Simmons, who has missed the first two games with a back injury, will remain out of practice.
For now, though, the Chiefs are beginning the week with some positive movement in their secondary as they prepare for their first road game of the season against Miami.
