Steve Spagnuolo revealed the Chiefs could use Chamarri Conner at both safety and nickel as the veteran defensive back closes in on his season debut.
The Kansas City Chiefs appear close to getting Chamarri Conner back, but his role might look different than originally planned.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo revealed Thursday that the Chiefs could use Conner at both safety and nickel when he returns after missing the first three games with a knee injury.
"We were on a course to keep Chamarri in one spot," Spagnuolo said, according to Heavy Sports. "I don't know if we're still there now or not."
Kansas City entered the season intending to use Conner primarily at safety after the fourth-year defensive back had moved between safety and nickel during his first three seasons.
But Jaden Hicks and Alohi Gilman have handled the safety spots while Conner has been sidelined, potentially giving Spagnuolo reason to reconsider.
"Both Jaden and Alohi have done an admirable job," Spagnuolo said.
That could result in Conner returning to a more versatile role.
"I think he's a really good tackler and football player," Spagnuolo said. "We'll fit him in there, whether it's at safety or nickel in certain packages."
The discussion is becoming more relevant as Conner moves closer to actually getting back on the field.
Conner was a full participant in practice Wednesday and Thursday after the Chiefs eased him back into practice last week following a lengthy absence.
He ultimately did not play against Miami, extending his absence through the first three games of the season.
Two consecutive full practices this week represent another significant step toward his potential season debut Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Conner's versatility could give Spagnuolo another option for a Kansas City defense that has gone two consecutive games without recording a sack, a concern that has emerged after a dominant performance in the season opener.
The Chiefs will also have to face a Raiders team that has started 3-0. Sunday's meeting will be the first in the longtime rivalry with both Kansas City and Las Vegas entering at 3-0.
And after initially planning to keep him in one spot this season, the Chiefs now appear willing to move him around again.
