Overview
- Steve Spagnuolo told reporters he is moving away from a fixed full-time safety plan and will keep Conner available for both safety and nickel roles in specific packages.
- Spagnuolo praised Jaden Hicks and Alohi Gilman for their work at safety while also noting they missed deep plays in the Miami game.
- Coaches said they want Conner on the field when possible and described his Week 4 availability as hopeful but still dependent on final clearance.
- A team reporter later indicated Conner is expected to make his season debut in Week 4, with the Chiefs returning a veteran, versatile piece to the secondary if that holds.
- The change responds to mixed defensive results after a dominant opener and two poor-yardage, sackless games and lets Kansas City pair playmakers such as Conner and L’Jarius Sneed to improve slot coverage and deep support; Conner started every game in 2025 and finished with 117 tackles, two sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles.