While Patrick Mahomes deservedly received most of the attention following his ankle injury, cornerback Chamarri Conner also had to leave Week 15’s win over the Cleveland Browns. Starting the season in a depth role, the former fourth-round pick saw an increase in playing time following the season-ending injury to breakout cornerback Jaylen Watson. Splitting time between safety and slot cornerback, the Virginia Tech product suffered a concussion early in the contest and was quickly ruled out.
As of this posting, we do not know the severity of the Chamarri Conner injury or if he can suit up in Week 16. Hopefully, he can return to the field in short order and help the Chiefs win their third title in as many seasons. However, if this sidelines him for an extended period, Kansas City must find more help. The team has suffered multiple injuries in the secondary, and the recently signed Steven Nelson can’t fix it all by himself. Former Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard is the best player left on the market, and he could be a smart low-risk, medium-reward signing – assuming a team like the Ravens doesn’t sign him first.
Chiefs, Ravens Could Fight For Xavien Howard After Chamarri Conner Injury
At his best, Xavien Howard was one of the league’s premier ballhawks. A second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Howard spent the first two years of his career in a supporting role before breaking out in 2018. Leading the league with seven interceptions despite playing in just 12 games, the cornerback made the first Pro Bowl selection of his career while also earning Second-Team All-Pro honors. He proved that performance wasn’t a fluke in 2020, as he once again led the league in interceptions (10) and passes defended (20) while earning Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors.
While the 31-year-old veteran is not the same player he once was, he can still help the right team. Based on his 2023 tape, the four-time Pro Bowler can still play in a depth role, and the Chiefs and Ravens need someone like that. Kansas City has had one of the league’s worst defenses since the Jaylen Watson injury, and it will only get worse if Chamarri Conner misses time. Howard has already worked out for a few teams, which means he’s in game shape and could help a contender down the stretch.
More Help In Baltimore
The Baltimore Ravens defense played well in Week 15, but stopping Tim Boyle and Tommy DeVito isn’t the most difficult job in the world. Lamar Jackson is playing like an MVP and Derrick Henry is still fantastic, but the defense still needs to prove they can hold their own against elite passing attacks. The unit struggled to contain Jalen Hurts, Russell Wilson, and Joe Burrow over the past month or so, and they must improve to support a deep playoff run.
Baltimore traded for Tre’Davious White at the deadline, but he’s a shell of his former self. Xavien Howard might not be any better, but it can’t hurt to sign him to the practice squad and see what happens. With the Chamarri Conner injury, Baltimore can’t afford to let Kansas City steal a potential contributor out from under their nose.
Main Photo: Scott Galvin – USA Today Sports
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