Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes lose major offensive weapon for 4 games

The Kansas City Chiefs face a significant setback with the news that wide receiver Mecole Hardman has been placed on injured reserve. 

Kansas City Chiefs fans and players alike have been celebrating the recent arrival of Kadarius Toney, a former New York Giants wide receiver sent to KC in a trade that Travis Kelce is still trying to wrap his mind around.

While Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore and JuJu Smith-Schuster have all offered a major offensive boost this season, it should also be noted that one Chiefs veteran has always offered the speed needed in a fast-paced Patrick Mahomes offense. That’s why the news that wide receiver Mecole Hardman would be sidelined on injured reserve is a significant blow to the Chiefs offense.

Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes lose Mecole Hardman to IR for a minimum of 4 weeks

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport offered a bit more context on the injury and illness that Hardman is facing. According to Rapoport, the fourth-year receiver was placed on IR due to “an abdomen injury and an illness.”

FanSided’s Matt Verderame reiterated that there’s “optimism he could be back after the mandatory four-game absence.”

It’s already been a challenging week for Chiefs wide receivers, as Smith-Schuster was also absent from practice due to a concussion suffered in Week 10. Hardman missed the team’s Week 10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars due to the aforementioned abdomen injury.

While Hardman often hasn’t led the team in receiving yards, he’s always been a deep threat that has been able to land chunk plays that move the Chiefs down the field on critical drives. In the past three games that Hardman has played in this season, he scored a touchdown in each one. Hardman was integral in Kansas City’s 20-17 win over the Tennessee Titans, where Hardman landed six of nine targets for 79 yards and a touchdown. Against the San Francisco 49ers, Hardman rushed for two touchdowns in the 44-23 rout.

Even though Hardman has been an important part of Mahomes’ offense since the wideout’s 2019 arrival, the Chiefs are not lacking in the wide receiver department. Toney proved that the Giants made a puzzling mistake in trading him, and Odell Beckham Jr. has hinted at his interest in signing with the Chiefs. In fact, Hardman’s absence could make an even bigger case for Brett Veach to bring in Beckham Jr. to Arrowhead.

Hopefully, Hardman can heal from his illness and injury swiftly and continue to build on what’s been another key season for the Chiefs staple.