Mecole Hardman injury update: Latest on Chiefs WR's status for NFL Divisional round vs Texans

Kansas City Chiefs wide recevier Mecole Hardman has served as the team's punt and kick returner in his second stint with the Chiefs.

After the New York Jets signed and released Hardman during the 2023 season, he returned back to the Chiefs and helped them win Super Bowl LVIII as he caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes against the San Francisco 49ers.

This season, Hardman has played in 12 total games. On Dec. 7, Hardman was placed on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury against the Las Vegas Raiders. He's been on the injured reserve list since.

Mecole Hardman injury update: Will Chiefs wide recevier play this Saturday?

Mecole Hardman during Las Vegas Raiders v Kansas City Chiefs - Source: Getty

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to host the Houston Texans in the divisional round of the playoffs tomorrow, they will very likely be without Mecole Hardman.

While Hardman was designated to return from his injury earlier this month, the Chiefs have ruled him out in their most recent Friday injury report.

The assumption is Hardman will miss this week, but should the Chiefs win, he should be available for their AFC Championship showdown the following week.

Full injury report for Saturday's playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans

Houston Texans v Kansas City Chiefs - Source: Getty

Following the news of Mecole Hardman being inactive, cornerback Jaylen Watson is the only player on the Kansas City Chiefs' injury report. He's currently listed as questionable to play.

The Houston Texans currently have running back Joe Mixon, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, and wide recevier Robert Woods listed as questionable. Al-Shaair and Mixon are set to play, according to sources.

Saturday's first of two doubleheader divisional games will see the reigning Super Bowl champs hosting the Texans at 4:30 p.m ET at Arrowhead Stadium. This will be the second time this season the two teams have met, as the Chiefs earned a 27-19 home victory in Week 16.

According to ESPN.com as of Friday evening, the Chiefs are 7.5-point home favorites. They are also listed as a -500 moneyline bet to win.

Do you think the Chiefs will take care of business at home and move on to the AFC Championship Game, or do you think the Houston Texans will pull off an upset that sees them end the Chiefs' aspirations of a three-peat?