EXCLUSIVE: Andy Reid reveals Chiefs will give Mecole Hardman the Kadarius Toney treatment as WR returns to action
As the Kansas City Chiefs get ready for their playoff run with one game left in the regular season, they will receive some additional help as they get wide receiver Mecole Hardman back.
On Nov. 17, 2022, he was placed on injured reserve after suffering an abdomen injury in Week 9. The team activated the receiver a few days ago on Jan. 4.
The #Chiefs have placed WR Mecole Hardman on Injured Reserve because of an abdomen injury and an illness. He's expected to return after around four games.
He is currently questionable for Saturday's matchup vs. the Las Vegas Raiders.
Mecole Hardman is listed as questionable for Saturday's game–and whether he's available this week or in the playoffs the #Chiefs need his versatility in the red zone.
#ShowAndBK
@RealRonTheShow | @BKSportsTalk | @StephenSerda https://t.co/JWgFButWnn
His status is yet to be determined, but Kansas City will get one of their biggest playmakers back for the postseason.
Head coach Andy Reid is taking a patient approach for Hardman's return.
While talking to the media, Reid said that Hardman is day-to-day:
“Mecole (Hardman) practiced today, and we’ll just see about him. He’s day-to-day as we go here. With that, we look forward to playing the Raiders. Again, we know they’re a good football team. (The) last nine games have been as close as you can believe, so it’ll all come down to the end. Anyways with that, time’s yours.”
Reid added:
“Yeah, I’d never put Mecole (Hardman) in a bad position there. I mean, this will be very similar to what (Kadarius) Toney went through. I mean if it’s three snaps, it’s three snaps. If it’s five snaps, it’s five snaps. I know he’s going to want to go, I mean I know that. He loves to play, and so I’ll be holding him back I’m sure when we get to that point.”
Hardman has recorded 19 receptions for 218 yards and three touchdowns this season. Additionally, he's added 31 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
The Kansas City Chiefs will face the Las Vegas Raiders at 4:30 PM ET Saturday to conlcude their regular season
The Kansas City Chiefs will face the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday at 4:30 PM.
This will conclude their 2022 regular season, as they will appear in the 2023 playoffs. If victorious, Kansas City will claim the number one seed in the AFC and will have a bye in the first round.
The last time these two teams played, it came down to the wire as the Chiefs escaped with a close 30-29 victory.
The Raiders will be playing to spoil the Chiefs' seeding heading into the playoffs.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Andy Reid and H/T Sportskeeda.