Chiefs place WR Mecole Hardman (thumb) on IR

Field Level Media|published: Sat 25th November, 21:06 2023

Oct 12, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) returns a kick as Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Chris Rumph II (94) attempts the tackle during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. credits: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs placed receiver/returner Mecole Hardman on injured reserve on Saturday due to a sprained thumb.

Hardman sustained the injury during Monday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Hardman didn't practice all week and the team ruled him out of Sunday's game against the host Las Vegas Raiders on Friday.

Hardman was acquired from the New York Jets in mid-October for his second stint with Kansas City.

He has eight receptions for 41 yards in four games since returning to the Chiefs. He had one catch for 6 yards in five games with the Jets.

Hardman has 160 receptions for 2,135 yards and 16 touchdowns in 66 career games (27 starts) in five seasons with the Chiefs and Jets.

He was a Pro Bowl selection as a return specialist as a rookie in 2019. Hardman averaged 26.1 yards with a touchdown on kickoffs that season and 9.3 on punt returns.

Hardman returned a punt for a score in 2020. This season, he is averaging 8.7 yards on seven punt returns and went for 14 yards on his lone kickoff return.

Kansas City also elevated running back La'Mical Perine and receiver Montrell Washington from the practice squad for Sunday's game.

—Field Level Media