Mecole Hardman may soon find his way back onto the field for the Bills. The veteran wide receiver, who has been on injured reserve since Nov. 20 because of a calf strain, is now eligible to return to practice.
While head coach Sean McDermott said Monday that the Bills have yet to decide if Hardmanâs 21-day practice window will be opened this week, Hardman took it upon himself to provide an update.
The three-time Super Bowl champion tweeted an emoji of a man running, suggesting heâs nearing a return.
Veteran Has Carved Out Role as Standout Returner
Hardman, 27, signed with the Bills practice squad on Nov. 11. He appeared in his first game with the team days later, returning a kickoff 61 yards before injuring his calf on a third-quarter punt return. Â The injury landed Hardman on injured reserve.
He’d spent the preseason with the Packers but was released on Aug. 26 as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. Green Bay released him again on Sept. 23.
Hardman spent parts of his first six NFL seasons with the Chiefs, starring on three Super Bowl teams (LIV, LVII, LVIII) and earning Second Team All-Pro honors as a rookie kick returner in 2019.
In Super Bowl LVIII, Hardman caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime, sealing Kansas Cityâs 25-22 victory over the 49ers.
How Hardman Can Help the Bills
Hardman has played in 99 regular-season games, catching 178 passes on 259 targets for 2,302 yards and 16 touchdowns. Heâs also rushed for three touchdowns and returned a pair of kicks for scores.
Once active, Hardman is expected to operate primarily as a return man for the Bills (10-4), winners of three straight. He also could serve as a valuable downfield threat for Josh Allen. Brandin Cooks sustained an undisclosed injury in the Week 15 win over the Patriots, jeopardizing depth at the receiver position.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Josh Allen & Bills Hoping for Good News on 3-Time Super Bowl Champion WR appeared first on Heavy Sports.