Chiefs activate WR Mecole Hardman (thumb) off IR

Field Level Media|published: 12/30/2023, 1:42pm EST

Oct 12, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) returns a kick against the Los Angeles Chargers during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. credits: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs activated wide receiver Mecole Hardman from injured reserve on Saturday in advance of Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Hardman's questionable injury designation for Sunday's game was removed, and he is expected to play for the first time since a 21-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11. Hardman has been out with a sprained thumb.

Hardman was traded back to the Chiefs from the New York Jets on Oct. 18 and has eight receptions for 41 yards in four games with Kansas City this season. In nine total games this season, Hardman has nine receptions for 47 yards.

A Pro Bowl selection for the Chiefs as a rookie in 2019, Hardman has 159 receptions for 2,129 yards and 16 touchdowns in 61 games (27 starts) over five seasons for Kansas City.

The Chiefs also activated running back Keaontay Ingram and nose tackle Mike Pennel from the practice squad. Kansas City also waived defensive tackle Matt Dickerson.

—Field Level Media