Mecole Hardman injury update: Chiefs WR placed on IR ahead of Week 14 Chargers game

Amid a complex season regarding injuries, the Kansas City Chiefs have received another blow regarding their offensive unit. Mecole Hardman was placed on injured reserve on Saturday. The Chiefs face the LA Chargers in Week 14.

Hardman, who hasn't caught a pass from Patrick Mahomes since Nov. 17 but has become the team's top returner, is listed as the replacement of JuJu Smith-Schuster, the team's WR3 behind DeAndre Hopkins and Xavier Worthy. Even so, after losing several players to season-ending injuries, the Chiefs could still use Hardman.

Mecole Hardman injury update: What happened to Chiefs WR?

Mecole Hardman suffered a knee injury during Friday's practice, quickly prompting the Chiefs to make this decision. The Chiefs will be without the player for the last four games of the season and even the postseason. He was previously listed as questionable for Sunday's game before being placed on IR, ending his regular season.

There hasn't been any indication that Hardman's injury is ending his season, but the picture is unclear.

Mecole Hardman has caught 12 passes for 90 yards and taken five carries for 62 rushing yards with a touchdown. As a returner, he averages 10.2 yards on 20 punt returns and 26.4 yards on five kick returns this campaign.

The Chiefs made moves to replace Hardman. They signed Nikko Remigio to the 53-man roster off the practice squad. In addition, they elevated linebacker Swayze Bozeman and tight end Baylor Cupp from the practice squad.

Chiefs continue adding players to the IR

The 2024 NFL season has been ruthless with the Kansas City Chiefs regarding injuries. They lost Marquise Brown before the season even started and after that moment, things went south for the roster. Wide receivers Rashee Rice, Skyy Moore, Jaaron Hayek and Jared Wiley are on the IR.

Two of these injuries also affected the special teams, as Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore were returners. In addition, Harrison Butker and his replacement, Spencer Shrader, also went down with serious injuries.