It will be a different look at wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs this season.
With Tyreek Hill and Byron Pringle playing for other teams, the Chiefs will have the likes of Marquez Valdes-Scantling and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Meanwhile, Mecole Hardman is still with the team, making him the longest-tenured wideout on the squad.
However, his status is questionable after a recent injury, as NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport shared.
#Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman, who exited practice early today, is being evaluated for a groin injury, source said. The severity is unclear, but Hardman being able to walk off the field (before jumping on a cart to head into the building) was a good sign.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 17, 2022
Rapoport tweeted, “#Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman, who exited practice early today, is being evaluated for a groin injury, source said. The severity is unclear, but Hardman being able to walk off the field (before jumping on a cart to head into the building) was a good sign.”
The last thought is important, especially for Chiefs fans, because they cannot afford more injuries to their receiving corps.
Smith-Schuster also sat out practice due to a sore knee which seems to be minor in nature.
Therefore, they should have both players back in time for Week 1.
However, the severity of the groin injury could affect Hardman’s movement, especially when running routes.
Every Receiver Is Important For Kansas City
Unlike before wherein they have an obvious primary receiver in Hill, Kansas City’s plan this season is to spread the ball through their running backs and wideouts.
Hardman is one of their top targets because he has remained consistent in his first three seasons.
After having 538 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie year, the former Georgia standout finished with 560 yards and four touchdowns in 2020.
Last season, he had 693 yards to go with two touchdowns.
He could experience an increase in production now that he is one of the projected starters for the Chiefs.
After starting just eight games last season, he might end up starting all 17 games if he remains healthy.
NEXT: The Chiefs Add A Former First-Round Pick On Defense