The Chiefs are receiving much-needed support at wide receiver. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the team is activating wide receiver Mecole Hardman off injured reserve.
Hardman began the 2023 season with the Jets, having played his previous four seasons in Kansas City. But he had trouble making a name for himself in New York, and in October he was dealt to the Chiefs. Hardman played in four Kansas City games prior to being placed on injured reserve due to a thumb injury.
The former second-round pick never transformed into the top-end WR that the Chiefs were hoping for. Even in his most productive season in 2021, Hardman still finished with only 59 catches for 693 yards, and following his trade back to Kansas City, he was only averaging two catches for about 10 yards per game.
The Saginaw Valley State Cardinals’ 2023 CFA, former Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske, was selected via waiver claim by the Arizona Cardinals today.
This season, Nowaske appeared in just two games for the Lions (he began on the practice squad, was added to the main roster in November, and was released the day before). On special teams, he used all of his game snaps. His PFF score for special teams was 67.5.
Still, the Chiefs’ receivers’ room could use a little energy. Patrick Mahomes has found a reliable target in Rashee Rice, the rookie wide receiver who has hauled in 74 receptions for 811 yards and seven scores. Nevertheless, only 74 receptions for 832 yards and five touchdowns have been made by players like Justin Watson, Skyy Moore, and Kadarius Toney combined.
Hardman might play against the Bengals as early as tomorrow. Given that Toney is anticipated to be out due to a hip injury, Rice will be behind players like Watson, Moore, and Richie James in the depth chart, including the freshly activated wide receiver.
