Mecole Hardman Jr. injury status: Latest on Ciefs WR ahead of AFC title game vs. Bills

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman had a successful knee surgery early in December. The 26-year-old receiver has been on the team's injured reserve since then.

Hardman returned to practice last week but has still not been activated off the injured reserve list. However, there have been speculations that we might see him participate in the playoffs.

"We'll see how that goes," coach Andy Reid said Monday in response to a question on Hardman's status for the Chiefs' next game against the Buffalo Bills, according to AtoZSports. "I haven't made any decisions on that yet. He's worked hard to try and get himself back."

During the regular season, Hardman had 12 appearances for the Chiefs, although he only managed 12 receptions and 90 yards. His average of 13.4 yards per touch on special teams made him a more useful member of the squad as a kick returner.

It seems like Hardman isn't yet ready for real game participation, even though he practiced last week as a limited participant before the Chiefs' game against the Houston Texans in the divisional round.

We still need to monitor Mecole Hardman's practice volume this week to ascertain whether he has a chance to play in the AFC championship round, as the Chiefs play Buffalo on Sunday night. On Wednesday, the team will make public its first injury report of the week.

Mecole Hardman Jr. injury: What happened to the Chiefs WR?

Mecole Hardman suffered a knee injury and was placed on injured reserve by the Kansas City Chiefs before their Week 14 matchup with the LA Chargers. The top wide receiver's knee tightened up on him before the team's on-field activities for that game, and Andy Reid informed reporters afterward that Hardman was placed on IR.

A few weeks after scoring the game-winning reception in the Chiefs' 25-22 overtime triumph over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, the Georgia native inked a one-year contract with the team ahead of the 2024 season.

Since being selected by the Chiefs with the 56th overall pick in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft, Hardman has had 80 career games with 178 catches for 2,302 yards and 16 touchdowns. He has also won three Super Bowls.

Kansas City can gain from having Hardman as a healthy option in the AFC championship round since he is a dependable veteran who contributes to the Chiefs' offense and special teams.