The Kansas City Chiefs are still trying to figure out their wide receiver rotation, but WR Mecole Hardman may not be a part of the group on Monday night after going down with an injury during the first quarter of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl 57 rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Mecole Hardman Injury Update
Hardman left the field after hauling in a five-yard pass from QB Patrick Mahomes on Kansas City’s second offensive drive.
The Chiefs have since announced that Hardman is questionable to return to tonight’s game, as he deals with a thumb injury.
Mecole Hardman injured his thumb on this play and is questionable to return. pic.twitter.com/XtC8XMPem7
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) November 21, 2023
Hardman, 25, spent the first four seasons of his career with the Chiefs before signing a one-year deal with the New York Jets earlier this year. He requested a trade after falling out of the Jets’ WR pecking order, and Kansas City re-acquired him and a 2025 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick.
While Hardman was the lone wide receiver for the Chiefs’ first play on MNF, he’s been a role player since returning to K.C., playing no more than 36% of the club’s offensive snaps in three games.
However, Hardman has been Kansas City’s primary return man. WRs Skyy Moore and Richie James — activated from injured reserve before tonight’s game — could split that role if Hardman is sidelined.
Fantasy Fallout From Hardman’s Injury
Hardman has failed to make much of a fantasy impact since the Chiefs brought him back to K.C.
If Hardman is unavailable for the rest of this contest, expect an expanded role for WR Kadarius Toney, who possesses a similar skill set to Hardman. Toney posted three total touches for 21 yards in the first quarter.
Other pass catchers who could see more looks in the passing game are Rashee Rice, Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Justin Watson.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Derek Tate
