Though Mecole Hardman has been back with his former team only a few days, Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid expects Hardman to play Sunday.
Fans last saw Hardman in a Chiefs uniform last year in the AFC Championship game against the Bengals. Hardman caught two passes for 10 yards as he returned from a groin injury. But Hardman tore his groin in the game and was hospitalized for 10 days as he lost feeling in his legs and couldn’t walk.
“He did a great job for us in the AFC championship game, had one of the biggest plays there,” Reid said Friday as the Chiefs finished preparing for Sunday’s 3:25 p.m. game against the Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. “And just for him to push through that. He’s not the biggest guy, but you see when he carries the ball — good or bad — he’s fearless that way.
“You know he’s a tough kid, and he pushed through that and wanted to play (in the Super Bowl). He was adamant about that, but he ended up tearing it. But he got that fixed, and he’s ripping and ready to go now.”
Hardman played in five games this season with the Jets but caught just one pass for six yards. Now back with the Chiefs, Hardman said he’s glad to return to where he played the first four years of his career.
“A lot of emotions,” Hardman said. “I’m happy to be back with my old team. A lot of familiar faces around here. I’m used to the system. I’m definitely glad to be here.”
Last year, Hardman played in just eight games in the regular season, catching 25 passes for 297 yards and four touchdowns. Prior to last season, however, Hardman didn’t miss a game with the Chiefs and had a career-high 693 yards receiving in 2021. Hardman signed with the Jets in free agency this offseason before being traded back to the Chiefs earlier in the week.
In his Chiefs’ career, Hardman has 151 catches for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns. Hardman also returned kicks and punts for the Chiefs. Though it’s unclear how much Hardman will play against the Chargers, he’s open to playing wherever needed.
“Hopefully I can get into a role where I can help out the team any way I can,” Hardman said. “There’s not too much I’m not trying to do. Wherever they need me at — whether that’s return or go out at receiver, or if they need me to go on kickoff, let me know. I’m just trying to help any way I can.”
WR WATSON OUT
Reid said wide receiver Justin Watson (elbow) won’t play Sunday. He added that cornerback Jaylen Watson left Friday’s practice after getting hit in the thigh and is listed as questionable for Sunday.
Defensive end Charles Omenihu, however, could make his Chiefs’ debut. Omenihu served a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy while he was a member of the 49ers. The Chiefs signed Omenihu to a two-year, $16 million contract in the offseason.
