It didn’t take long for former Jets wide receiver Mecole Hardman to make an impact in his return to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The 25-year-old played just 10 snaps and made one catch for six yards, but his biggest impact came on special teams.
With six and a half minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Hardman was sent in to return a Chargers punt. The speedster broke free in the open field and returned the kick 50 yards to the LA 35 yard line, helping put the 24-17 win on ice.
“We had a plan for Mecole,” head coach Andy Reid said postgame. “The guys blocked their hearts out for him and he busted that punt out and then made a huge catch, so welcome back Mecole.”
Hardman, of course, signed with the Jets on a one-year deal this offseason but somehow wasn’t able to scratch out much of a roll in the offense. He saw just 28 offensive snaps and hauled in one of three targets for six yards before Gang Green sent him to Kansas City in a swap of late-round picks earlier this week.
Now back where he spent the first four seasons of his NFL career, Hardman is hoping to be able to finish the season on a high note.
“I’m glad I’m back,” Hardman said. “There’s a lot of emotions but I’m definitely happy to be back with my old team. A lot of familiar faces around here, they’ve welcomed me back with open arms. Now it’s just time for me to get better week in and week out.”
The 2019 second-round pick drew nothing but praise from a few of those familiar faces after his big return.
“He didn’t have the season he wanted in New York, but to be able to come back and have confidence and make the most of the opportunity is huge,” quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “The punt return put the game away, that speed's hard to replicate.”
“I don’t know how he got out of New York, but I’m glad he’s with us,” tight end Travis Kelce added. “He came up absolutely huge there in the fourth. I’m proud of him and happy for the guy. I’m glad we have him for the rest of the year.”