The Buffalo Bills added veteran wide receiver Mecole Hardman in early November in hopes of boosting their return game and receiver room, and he made an immediate impact with a 61-yard kickoff return in his first appearance. However, Hardman was released prior to Buffalo’s Week 17 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles as the team navigated roster limitations at other positions.
The move was largely procedural. With tight ends Dalton Kincaid sidelined by a knee injury and Dawson Knox also dealing with health issues, the Bills needed additional depth at the position and promoted Keleki Latu to the active roster, which required a corresponding move.
Just days later, Hardman is back in the organization. Buffalo announced Tuesday that he has been signed to the practice squad. The opening came after the Bills released kicker Michael Badgley on Monday. Badgley had been handling kicking duties while Matt Prater was injured, but he struggled during his brief stint, converting his lone field goal attempt while missing two of four extra points.
Hardman’s initial run with Buffalo was cut short by a calf injury that sidelined him for roughly a month. In his absence, rookie Ray Davis emerged as one of the NFL’s most dangerous kickoff returners, averaging a league-best 30.7 yards per return and scoring on a 97-yard return against Houston.
While Hardman provides experienced depth as a returner, Davis has firmly established himself in that role. Hardman could still factor into punt return duties, potentially reducing the workload of Khalil Shakir, Buffalo’s most reliable wide receiver. In his career, Hardman averages 9.0 yards per punt return but has logged just two returns for four yards with the Bills this season.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].