Mecole Hardman placed on COVID-19/reserve list

The Kansas City Chiefs could be without an essential offensive piece in Mecole Hardman

Although the Kansas City Chiefs are on a bye this week, they still lost a key player in the process. And while Mecole Hardman isn’t putting up record-breaking numbers, he’s been a vital part of the Chiefs’ overall offense.

According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Chiefs have placed Hardman on the COVID-19/reserve list Wednesday afternoon. His timetable to return has not been announced. The news comes less than a week after a staff member was placed on the list.

The second-year wide receiver was coming off a quality outing against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, in which he finished with three catches for 48 yards. For the season, Hardman has collected 25 receptions for 395 yards and three touchdowns.

Could this hurt the Chiefs race for first place?

This season, Patrick Mahomes has clicked with multiple weapons in another MVP-caliber season in Arrowhead Stadium. Hardman is one of six targets with at least 29 catches, 200 receiving yards and a touchdown in the passing game. If anything, his absence could allow someone like Byron Pringle to step up and show their worth as a No. 5 option in Andy Reid’s system.

There’s still hope that Hardman can return in time for Week 11’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, but only time will tell. For now, Kansas City could be without one of the top speedsters in the NFL.