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Bills Elevate Mecole Hardman, Bench Him on Returns After Muffed Punt

The practice-squad newcomer was tapped for a return spark, delivering a 61-yard burst before a fumbled punt prompted a quick change.

Overview

  • Buffalo signed Hardman to the practice squad earlier in the week and elevated him for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.
  • He opened with a 61-yard kickoff return that set up the Bills in plus territory.
  • After he muffed a punt, the Bills removed him from the kickoff return unit, per The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia.
  • Hardman is a three-time Super Bowl winner with Kansas City and has a Pro Bowl nod as a returner.
  • He spent the summer with the Packers without making the final roster, and his usage in Buffalo projects more to gadget plays and returns than a full-time receiver role.