Home US Andy Reid announces Chiefs star Mecole Hardman is out for the season

Andy Reid announces Chiefs star Mecole Hardman is out for the season

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The Chiefs will have to make do without Super Bowl hero Mecole Hardman for the rest of the season

If the Kansas City Chiefs want to win the Super Bowl and secure a sensational three-peat, they will have to do it without Mecole Hardman.

The man who had the walk-off, Super Bowl-winning touchdown in Las Vegas against the San Francisco 49ers last year was ruled out for the rest of the season by head coach Andy Reid on Wednesday.

The wide receiver has been sidelined due to a knee problem that required surgery in early December and the Chiefs have now accepted that his recovery will not be in time for the Super Bowl in New Orleans on February 9.

Speaking to the media Wednesday ahead of this weekend’s huge showdown against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium, Reid said Hardman will remain on the injured reserve list.

His 21-day practice period opened before the Week 18 game against the Denver Broncos, the final game of the regular season.

The 26-year-old will now turn his attention to the 2025 campaign.

The Chiefs will have to make do without Super Bowl hero Mecole Hardman for the rest of the season

Hardman made the catch that won the Super Bowl for the Chiefs in Vegas last season - here he is pictured celebrating with Taylor Swift as teammate Travis Kelce looks on

Hardman made the catch that won the Super Bowl for the Chiefs in Vegas last season – here he is pictured celebrating with Taylor Swift as teammate Travis Kelce looks on

Last year, Hardman had a whirlwind campaign after starting the season with the New York Jets before being traded back to the Chiefs after just six games.

But after being cut adrift by a team that ultimately failed to make the playoffs after quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon, he finished the season as a champion, catching the game-winning catch for his team and making a won the second Super Bowl in a row.

Travis Kelce praised Hardman after that Vegas win and criticized the Jets for letting him go.

“It brought me to tears to see that he was the man who got us this ring,” Kelce said.

“And he keeps trying to find ways to win. We had a huge game in front of us early, which fueled us, and also found a way to win the game for us.

“Mecole, he’s one of my favorite teammates ever just because he keeps showing up.

“When everyone counted him out, even the Jets counted him out, and we were so excited when he got back in the building because he’s the kind of guy that brings everyone together.”

The Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans 23-14 on Saturday, with Kelce announcing his return to top form with a touchdown and seven receptions for 177 yards.

The Bills, meanwhile, won a thriller against the Baltimore Ravens in snowy Buffalo.

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