Jets' Starting Slot Receiver 'Fine' after Leaving Game with Hand Injury
Mecole Hardman endured a near double whammy on Saturday night at MetLife Stadium.
The New York Jets' speedy slot receiver, who signed a one-year free-agent contract this past March, dropped a catchable ball and dodged a hand injury in the process late during the first half of the preseason finale against the New York Giants.
"He’s fine. He’s fine," said Jets' third-year head coach Robet Saleh providing an update after the 32-24 exhibition victory.
After Corey Davis's departure thinned the ranks of the receiving corps earlier this week, Gang Green can ill afford an injury at the position. Fortunately, it appears the group of pass-catchers emerged from the game unscathed.
After gaining seven yards on a first-down catch over the middle, Hardman attempted to stretch the field two plays later on 3rd-and-1.
With quarterback Zach Wilson taking the second-quarter snap from the Jets' 34-yard line, Hardman ran a deep post route from the left side of the formation toward the right sideline. Giants' cornerback Darren Evans kept tight coverage on the play, but Wilson delivered a beautiful ball that Hardman failed to secure while going to the ground at the opponent's 20.
Hardman pointed to his right hand after rising to his feet, showing what appeared to be a dislocated finger. The former Kansas City Chiefs' second-round draft pick went off to the locker-room and did not return to game action.
Afterwards, Hardman posted a message on the social media website formerly known as Twitter.
"I’m good y’all .. I just gotta make that catch [facepalm emoji]," wrote Hardman in a post timestamped at 10:29 pm ET.
Hardman totaled 17 yards on two receptions in the final summertime tune-up prior to the Monday Night Football opener against the Buffalo Bills on September 11.
In his fourth season with the Chiefs, a core muscle injury that required offseason surgery limited Hardman to eight regular season games last fall.
Although Saleh couldn't confirm Hardman's practice status moving forward, the speed burner likely won't miss time.
"I didn’t get a report. It’s like a finger. He’s fine," said Saleh.
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