Ahmad Hardy’s comeback appears to be here.
After months of uncertainty following a gunshot wound to his leg, the Missouri star running back is expected to make his season debut on Halloween against Arkansas, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Oct. 29.
Hardy was shot in Laurel, Mississippi, in May, putting his return to football in doubt. He won’t start against Arkansas, according to Thamel, but is expected to receive a “handful of carries” as Missouri eases him back into action ahead of its Nov. 7 matchup with Texas.
That’s a significant development after coach Eli Drinkwitz offered little clarity Monday about when Hardy might return.
"I don’t know if he’ll be back for Arkansas. I don’t know if he’ll be back for Texas. I don’t know if he’ll be back for the
bowl game. Nobody knows," Drinkwitz siad.
Hardy returned to practice this week, and Drinkwitz had stated previously Hardy needs a two-week ramp-up period before returning to game action after starting practice again.
Nothing is guaranteed until Hardy actually takes the field. But five months after being shot, the SEC’s reigning rushing leader appears closer than ever to completing a remarkable comeback.
Is Ahmad Hardy playing vs Arkansas?
Hardy's status for Saturday is not confirmed, but according to Thamel he should make his return. Although he won't start, he'll see game action.
What happened to Ahmad Hardy?
Hardy was shot in his home state of Mississippi in May.
He was hit in the leg and got surgery afterwards.
Ahmad Hardy 2025 stats
Hardy was projected as one of the SEC's best backs again coming into this season. In his first season with Missouri after transferring from Louisiana-Monroe, he rushed for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns on 256 attempts.
Hardy also caught six passes for 22 yards, but did not add to his touchdown total in the passing game.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Missouri has waited months for Ahmad Hardy. That wait may be ending
