The Buffalo Bills have activated wide receiver Mecole Hardman from the injured reserve.
The Buffalo Bills have activated wide receiver Mecole Hardman to the 53-man roster from the injured reserve.
Hardman got injured in his first game with the Bills, but he made an impact before his departure. He had a 61-yard kick return, showing his explosiveness on returns.
Hardman was a Pro Bowl returner in his rookie season in 2019, with 18 returns for 167 yards on punts and 27 returns for 704 yards and a touchdown on kick returns.
That could be pivotal for the Bills to have a player like Hardman, who can return a kick or punt for a touchdown at any time.
In the playoffs, games are often so tight, and great special teams play can end up making the difference.
The Bills could also give him some offensive snaps, as he could be impactful as a deep threat and on end-arounds. His most productive season came back in 2021 with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he hauled in 59 receptions for 693 yards and two touchdowns.
With the addition of Brandin Cooks, the Bills likely won't need Hardman in on offense unless there is an injury.
Quarterback Josh Allen has played at an MVP level, despite the Bills' inconsistencies in the wide receiver room. Allen has completed 70 percent of his passes for 3,276 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
The reigning MVP has added 535 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. He has a shot at winning MVP for the second-straight season, but trails Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
While Hardman has been activated, he remains questionable ahead of Buffalo's matchup with the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
The Bills still have a chance at winning the AFC East, but the Patriots are in front with a record of 11-3. Buffalo will look to finish the season strong with games against the Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Jets.
While on paper, Hardman isn't a big addition for Buffalo to have back, he could make a major impact on special teams and make a difference-making play in the postseason.