Report: KC Chiefs ‘Plan to Activate’ WR Mecole Hardman From Injured Reserve

Kansas City will be getting its speedy wideout back in the fold ahead of Sunday's game against the Bengals.

The Kansas City Chiefs' injury list has been a lengthy one as of late, but there's one piece of good news developing over the weekend. 

Wide receiver Mecole Hardman is expected to rejoin the lineup, as Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports on Saturday morning that Kansas City plans to activate him off the injured reserve list. Hardman is expected to play in the club's Week 17's game versus the Cincinnati Bengals.

#Chiefs plan to activate WR Mecole Hardman off IR, per sources.

Much-needed receiver help for Kansas City. Hardman has been out since late November with a thumb sprain.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 30, 2023

#Chiefs plan to activate WR Mecole Hardman off IR, per sources.

Much-needed receiver help for Kansas City. Hardman has been out since late November with a thumb sprain. 

Speaking to the media on Friday, head coach Andy Reid hinted at this possibility. Citing a "number count" the team had to do, the Chiefs' roster math will result in Hardman being added back to the active 53-man roster for game day. With Kadarius Toney out of the picture this weekend due to a lingering hip injury, there's a spot in the wide receiver rotation for a different veteran pass-catcher.

Hardman, acquired via trade with the New York Jets earlier this year, hasn't played since Week 11. He recorded two receptions for 12 yards in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles but has missed the last five games after suffering a thumb injury and undergoing subsequent surgery. Just over a month ago, the 25-year-old posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account that he'd be back in the regular season. With over a week to spare, he's well on track for that timeline. 

It's been an unsteady season for Hardman thus far. Signing with New York in free agency, he went on to play in just five games with them and caught one pass in 28 offensive snaps. Needing an injection of speed and familiarity on offense, the Chiefs sent a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Jets in exchange for Hardman and a 2025 seventh-rounder. The former Georgia standout has eight receptions for 41 yards and a handful of returns on his resume as a Chief this season.

With the emergence of Richie James and now Justyn Ross being back in the fold, the Kansas City wide receiver picture remains crowded. With that said, Hardman found a way to see the field for double-digit snaps in four consecutive weeks leading up to his injury. He's the team's fastest wide receiver and also has more time in Reid's system than anyone else in the room. While it remains to be seen what his role will be in Sunday's matchup against the Bengals, this is a welcomed addition for a struggling Chiefs offense.

UPDATE: Hardman has officially been activated. Read here for more.

Ja’Marr Chase Takes Jab at Chiefs’ Secondary, Bryan Cook