Free-agent wide receiver/return specialist Mecole Hardman (knee) is signing an undisclosed one-year deal with the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday, a source tells ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Hardman will take his speed to the Packers while contributing both on offense and special teams as a kick returner. The 27-year-old former second-rounder (56th overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019 out of the University of Georgia caught only 12 of 14 targets for 90 yards and no touchdowns while carrying the ball five times for 62 yards and a touchdown in 12 regular-season games before suffering a knee injury in December that landed him on Injured Reserve. The Packers could use the receiver depth with Christian Watson (knee) likely to miss around half of the 2025 season, but Hardman could struggle for consistent involvement in Green Bay's offense, much like he did in KC, behind Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs.
Mar 18, 2025 9:06 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Wednesday that wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) will remain on Injured Reserve, which means he won't play again this season, even if the Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship this Sunday to advance to a third straight Super Bowl appearance. The Chiefs opened Hardman's 21-day practice window to return from IR before the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos, but the team never felt comfortable putting him out there on game day. The 26-year-old will now begin his offseason early and make sure that his knee is fully ready for the start of the 2025 regular season this fall. Hardman was mostly valuable to the Chiefs this year before his knee injury as a return man on special teams, as he caught only 12 of 14 targets for 90 yards and no touchdowns in 12 games played in 2024.
Jan 22, 2025 1:12 PM EST
When asked about wide receiver Mecole Hardman's (knee) status for their meeting with the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid remarked, "We'll see how that goes," per Charles Goldman of AtoZSports.com. "I haven't made any decisions on that yet," said Reid -- "He's worked hard to try and get himself back." Hardman has been shelved since early December after sustaining a knee injury at practice that required cleanup surgery. The Georgia native appeared in 12 games, recording only 12 catches and 90 yards -- sans a touchdown. However, he was a valuable kick returner for the team, averaging 13.4 yards per touch on special teams. Hardman returned to practice last week in a limited capacity, but it appears like he's not yet ready for in-game action. With Kansas City squaring off against Buffalo on Sunday night, we'll see if he can elevate his practice status ahead of the Chiefs' first injury report on Wednesday.
Jan 20, 2025 3:19 PM EST
The Kansas City Chiefs officially ruled out wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) on Friday for the Divisional Round contest on Saturday against the Houston Texans. Hardman remains on Injured Reserve but will not be activated for the team's first game of the playoffs as they seek an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl title. The 26-year-old was designated to return from IR back on Jan. 1 but did not play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Denver Broncos. The Chiefs were on bye last week during the wild-card round of the playoffs. If the Chiefs advance to the AFC Championship next weekend, it remains to be seen if Hardman will be available to return after he was limited in practice this week. He has been out since Week 13, so even if he were to return if KC advances, it's unlikely Hardman would have a very big role on offense.
Jan 17, 2025 7:05 PM EST
The Kansas City Chiefs have listed wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) as doubtful to play in the Divisional Round contest on Saturday at home against the visiting Houston Texans. Despite being designated to return from Injured Reserve back on Jan. 1, Hardman has yet to be officially activated and is unlikely to return this weekend for the team's first playoff game of the year. Even if the 26-year-old were activated from IR on Friday, he'd be in line for a very limited role on offense after having not played since Week 13. However, if the Chiefs advance past Houston this weekend and to the AFC Championship next weekend, perhaps Hardman will have made enough progress to return to the field. Before injuring his knee, Hardman was targeted only 14 times and caught 12 passes for 90 yards and no touchdowns in 14 games played.
Jan 16, 2025 6:03 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Wednesday, the only player on the team not to practice in full. Hardman remains on Injured Reserve and will likely need to upgrade to a full practice session to have a shot at being activated and playing on Saturday when the team takes on the visiting Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The 26-year-old was designated to return from IR back on Jan. 1 but did not suit up for the Week 18 loss to the division-rival Denver Broncos in the regular-season finale. If Hardman is activated and plays this weekend, fantasy managers will want to avoid him everywhere, as he'll likely see limited snaps as a depth option for KC's receiving corps. The former second-rounder in 2019 caught only 12 of his 14 targets for 90 yards and no scores in 12 games in 2024 before going on IR.
Jan 15, 2025 8:10 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee), who remains on Injured Reserve, was listed as a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Tuesday. The Chiefs opened Hardman's 21-day practice window to return from IR during preparation for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Denver Broncos, but the 26-year-old pass-catcher ultimately was not activated for that contest. The Chiefs had a first-round bye for the wild-card round of the playoffs last weekend, giving Hardman another week to recover from a knee injury that has kept him sidelined since Week 13. Even if he returns to a full practice on Wednesday or Thursday and is activated from IR on Friday, it's highly unlikely that Hardman would have a major role in KC's offense after missing the last six weeks. Before getting hurt, he had 12 catches (14 targets) for 90 yards and no touchdowns in 12 games.
Jan 14, 2025 7:30 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) was limited in practice all week but has been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Denver Broncos. The Chiefs opened Hardman's 21-day window to return from Injured Reserve on Wednesday, but they will wait to officially activate him. The Chiefs have already secured the top seed in the AFC and a first-round bye in the playoffs, so the earliest Hardman could return from IR would be for the Divisional Round of the postseason. The 26-year-old will have ample time to get closer to 100 percent by then, but even if he comes off IR and is active in the playoffs, he's likely to have a small role behind starters DeAndre Hopkins, Marquise Brown and others. In 12 games before his injury, Hardman had only 12 receptions on 14 targets for 90 yards and no touchdowns.
Jan 3, 2025 9:05 PM EST
According to Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star, the Kansas City Chiefs are opening wide receiver Mecole Hardman's (knee) practice window on Wednesday. Hardman was placed on the injured reserve during the first week of December with a knee injury but will have a good opportunity to return in the postseason. Before the injury, Hardman caught just 12 of his 14 targets for 90 yards and no scores. He added 62 rushing yards and a touchdown on five rushing attempts. When Hardman does return, fantasy managers should expect him to operate as a depth option in the passing attack. However, with Marquise Brown back in action, Hardman will only see occasional snaps and should not be targeted in any playoff competitions.
Jan 1, 2025 1:19 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Monday that there's a chance that wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) could "potentially" return in the postseason. The Chiefs locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC and will have a first-round bye, which will give their injured players an extra week to try and heal up. The 26-year-old wideout was placed on Injured Reserve back on Dec. 7, but he'll be eligible to return for the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Denver Broncos. Hardman isn't going to be activated for that game, but depending on how he recovers, he could be available for the Divisional Round of the playoffs that runs from Jan. 17-23. In 12 games before his injury, Hardman didn't make much of an impact (12 catches for 90 yards) in a banged-up receiving corps, so fantasy managers in postseason formats shouldn't expect much from him if he returns in January.
Dec 30, 2024 8:09 PM EST
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) was placed on Injured Reserve. The 26-year-old sustained this knee injury during Friday's practice and will now miss at least the next four contests. Hardman has been deployed as a depth receiver this year, as he has seen most of his work on special teams while operating as the top return man. After not catching a single pass during the first four games of the season, Hardman has caught 12 of his 14 targets since Week 5 for 90 total yards. He has also added 62 yards and a score on the ground. In fantasy formats that score return yards, managers should expect rookie Xavier Worthy to potentially return kicks (he already returns punts) or rookie Carson Steele, who is currently listed as the No. 2 return man.
Dec 7, 2024 2:00 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) suffered an injury on Friday which puts him in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Hardman reportedly had his knee lock up on him before Friday's practice. The 26-year-old now appears to be questionable ahead of this weekend's contest. His absence doesn't mean too much for this offense considering Hardman hasn't recorded a reception since Week 11. Although, Hardman is an excellent member on special teams, so his absence would certainly hurt there.
Dec 6, 2024 3:02 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. caught the pass from Patrick Mahomes that resulted in his team defeating the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. Unfortunately, the 26-year-old hasn't been relevant since then, catching only 12 passes for 90 yards during the 2024-25 campaign. With the number of injuries on the roster this season, most assumed Hardman would have a chance to get more involved. However, that hasn't happened. Of course, he's been known to have some impressive fantasy showings over the years. Still, outside of his contributions as a member of the special teams unit, Hardman likely won't see much work in Week 12 versus the Carolina Panthers.
Nov 24, 2024 1:07 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (shoulder, knee) logged a full practice on Friday. He had previously been listed as a limited participant. Friday's upgrade in practice status prompted the Chiefs to remove Hardman from the injury report, which means he'll suit up this week versus the Denver Broncos. The 26-year-old has filled a depth role this year, catching just nine of 10 targets for 75 yards. His involvement is expected to stay roughly the same in Week 10, keeping him firmly off the fantasy radar.
Nov 9, 2024 9:19 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (shoulder) is back on the field shortly after exiting Monday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hardman was forced to exit in the first quarter after suffering a shoulder injury while returning a punt. He was taken to the locker room to be evaluated, but appears to be fine. He's back and returned a punt in the second quarter of this game. Hardman was yet to be targeted as a receiver with the game nearly at halftime. However, Hardman is a solid punt returner, so having him back is a plus for the Chiefs.
Nov 4, 2024 9:25 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (shoulder) was forced to exit during the first quarter of Monday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hardman suffered a shoulder injury during a punt return and was taken to the locker room. He's currently being evaluated and is considered as questionable to return to Monday's game. The absence of Hardman won't have much of an impact on this offense. He didn't see a target before exiting and has only been targeted three times over the last two games.
Nov 4, 2024 9:10 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman had one catch for 17 yards, two carries for 38 yards, and a touchdown in the 28-18 win against the San Francisco 49ers. Hardman did not command many targets, but he capitalized on his opportunities with a score on the ground. With fellow wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster sidelined with a hamstring injury in this contest, Hardman had more opportunities to get involved. This matchup marked his second game back from injury, and Hardman's role will likely increase as the season goes on and he gets healthier. Hardman is familiar with Mahomes and the offense, so it shouldn't be long before we see more involvement from him. The Chiefs will take on the Raiders in Week 8. The Raiders are not a cakewalk matchup for wide receivers since they rank ninth in fantasy points allowed, but Kansas City gets their playmakers involved in unique ways, so Hardman could see some volume. Despite scoring in this week's contest, Hardman's role in the offense is undetermined, and he should be viewed as a desperation flex play until we get more information about his usage.
Oct 20, 2024 9:55 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) is officially active for the Week 5 contest on Monday Night Football against the visiting New Orleans Saints. Hardman will be able to go this week despite battling through a knee injury. Even with Rashee Rice (knee) potentially out for the rest of the season, Hardman hasn't been a popular waiver-wire pickup in fantasy. The 26-year-old played a season-high 16% of the offensive snaps in the Week 4 win over the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers after Rice hurt his knee early in that game, but he wasn't targeted at all and has not been targeted a single time in five games in 2024. Hardman should have more chances moving forward, but the Chiefs will mostly be relying on rookie Xavier Worthy, Justin Rice, JuJu Smith-Schuster and even Skyy Moore at receiver.
Oct 7, 2024 7:25 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (knee) is questionable for Monday's matchup with the Saints. The veteran didn't practice on Friday. However, he was a full-participant on Saturday, so there's a good chance he'll suit up. With that said, despite the absences of Rashee Rice (knee) and Marquise Brown (shoulder), Hardman likely won't get more involved, considering he's primarily used on special teams. As a result, it will likely be business as usual versus New Orleans, with Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy expected to see the most attention from Patrick Mahomes.
Oct 5, 2024 4:46 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman was the team leader in targets in Thursday's preseason loss to the visiting Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium, but he only hauled in just one of his four passes for six yards in the defeat. Hardman brought in a short six-yard reception from backup quarterback Chris Oladokun in a goal-to-go situation in the second quarter on Thursday against the Bears. After catching the game-winning pass for the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII, Hardman is back to provide the club with some depth in the receiving corps, and there's not much reason to believe he won't be a part of the 53-man roster. The 26-year-old veteran deep threat isn't likely to play many snaps when KC's receiving corps is healthy, but he could see some more action in the early going with Marquise Brown (shoulder) currently sidelined.
Aug 23, 2024 12:31 AM EST
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